Few People Know Alabama Is Part of U.S. Space Mission History

Over the years, there have been plenty of Alabama firsts. That is, the state of Alabama has been responsible for achieving many great things. It was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday and the first state in the U.S. to celebrate Mardi Gras, for example. Between culture, technology, and much more, Alabama has invented and created many things we appreciate today.

Despite these great accomplishments, the one thing that truly stands out is Alabama's space history. That's right: It designed and built the first rocket that sent the first Americans to the moon! The rocket was built right here in Huntsville in the 1950s and 1960s. Here's more about that historical moment, and how important our amazing state was to the process.

Why Huntsville Became 'Rocket City'

The first rocket to send Americans to the moon was designed and built at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It was called the Saturn V rocket and was one of the most complex structures built in the U.S. during the 20th century.

Once Saturn V was complete, it was sent to Florida, where the first group of astronauts—called Apollo 11—took a trip to space in 1969. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr. were on board and ventured to the moon. Liftoff took place at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Thanks to the Apollo 11 program, Neil Armstrong was the first American man to set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969. But even before this achievement, Huntsville achieved the moniker "Rocket City." Marshall Space Center created Jupiter in the 1950s—the first rocket to send an American satellite to space.

The space flight center remains a historic Alabama landmark, developing Space Launch Systems that send rockets into space to this day. Thousands of people visit the U.S. Space Rocket Center in Huntsville every year.

What You Can See At the U.S. Space and Rocket Center

There are so many incredible things to see and do in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, with tons of information about early aviation history in Alabama. For one, there's a Saturn V rocket on display for your viewing pleasure. Only three of these rockets still exist today.

The museum is fun for the whole family: View the larger-than-life displays of rocket parts, explore the Kids Cosmos area, and ride rides like the G-Force Accelerator, Moon Shot, and Max Flight. You can learn more about the history of the engineers behind the rocket, or sign your kids up for day camps and summer camps filled with all sorts of activities and adventures.

Overall, you'll have an amazing immersive experience with the world's largest collection of rockets and space artifacts. Starting in the summer, you'll get to visit the planetarium and get up-close-and-personal views of the stars. You can even buy a souvenir from the gift shop, too!

Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 5-12. Members get free visits with a $200/year payment. Visit the museum's website to learn more about pricing, events, and more.

Other Historic Firsts That Happened in Alabama

Few people know that Alabama isn't just the home of rockets—there are plenty of other historical moments that have come out of the state. For example, Alabama's first capital is not Tuscaloosa but Old Cahawba, a ghost town with tons of old churches, cemeteries, and other monuments.

Also, the first 911 call in America took place in the small town of Haleyville, Alabama, on February 16, 1968. The Alabama House Speaker, Rankin Fite, placed the call from the mayor's office as a test. To this day, the town celebrates this historic moment.

Have you been to Huntsville, Alabama, to see the U.S. Space and Rocket Center? If not, have you heard about this historical moment in Alabama's history? Visit this charming town in the South, and you'll be swept away with wonder at its amazing achievements.