12 Quirky Facts About Alabama That Sound Fake but Are 100% True

Alabama is known for so many different things. Even though many of us long-time residents are familiar with a lot of fun trivia about Alabama, there are still quite a few weird facts about our state that the general public may not know. We've gathered up some of our favorite interesting facts about Alabama—see how many of these surprise you!

1. Alabama Has Lots and Lots of Snails!

In fact, 43% of all known types of snails in the United States can be found right here in Alabama. One of them—the oblong rocksnail—was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered here in 2011. Alabama holds numerous land and freshwater species due to its wet weather and abundant streams throughout the state. For this reason, some snail enthusiasts affectionately refer to this state as the Unofficial Snail Capital of America.

2. The Very First Electric Streetcar System Began in Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery lays claim to the first electric trolley system in the U.S. The man behind the technology was Charles Joseph Van Depoele, a Belgian-born inventor. The innovative Capital City Street Railway system, referred to by locals as the Lightning Route, began operation in 1886. 

3. America’s First Mardi Gras Took Place in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama

Did you think the first Mardi Gras in the U.S. occurred in New Orleans? Incorrect! It was actually in Mobile, Alabama—a city founded by French settlers in 1702. New Orleans wasn't founded until 1718, giving Mobile residents a few years' head start on the festivities.

4. Alabama Has the Only City in the United States With an All-Water Mail Route

The stunning city of Magnolia Springs began its all-water mailing route around 1915. Here, mail is delivered year-round by boat along the city's many rivers, bays, and canals. That's why you see so many mailboxes sitting at the end of docks in this beautiful town.

5. The Saturn V Rocket (Which Launched Apollo 11) Was Designed in Huntsville, Alabama

The rocket that helped send the first humans to the moon was designed right here in Huntsville. After developing it in Alabama, the rocket was built with the help of multiple contractors all across the U.S. Today, the Saturn V Rocket can be found at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

6. Cherokee, Alabama, Has a Very Unique Cemetery

There's no other cemetery in the world like it. Established in 1937, the Coon Dog Cemetery is exactly what it sounds like—a cemetery exclusively for the coonhound breed of dog. Officially known as the Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Cemetery, more than 300 coonhounds now rest in peace in these hallowed grounds.

7. The Very First 911 Call Was Made in Haleyville, Alabama

It occurred on Feb. 16, 1968. Ironically, it wasn't an emergency. The 911 call was made by Alabama Speaker of the House Rankin Fite to U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill as a demonstration.

8. Alabama Is Home to Vulcan, the World’s Largest Cast-Iron Statue

Found in Birmingham, this massive statue is 56 feet tall and weighs more than 100,000 pounds. This striking figure, designed by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, is that of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge. It's a must-see on any stop in the Magic City, no matter how brief your stay is.

9. Alabama Is Also Home to the World’s Largest Office Chair

This feat can be found at Miller's Office Furniture in Anniston. Built in 1981 as a replica of one of Miller's office chairs, it was later given the title of the world’s largest office chair by Guinness. It's 33 feet tall and is made from 10 tons of steel! And yet, it's just one of our many weird and wacky roadside attractions in Alabama.

10. The Inventor of the Windshield Wiper Was From Alabama

Alabama native Mary Elizabeth Anderson invented the windshield wiper in 1902. Anderson conceived of the idea in New York City after seeing how a streetcar driver had to get out of the car repeatedly to clean his window. Afterwards, she went back to Birmingham, drew up a sketch, and filed a patent for her innovative device.

11. Alabama Was the Site of a Very Strange Meteorite Incident

This happened in Oak Grove, Alabama, on Nov. 30, 1954, when Ann Hodges was struck by a meteorite. She is the only confirmed person in history to have been hit by a meteorite and to have survived, likely because it bounced off her radio before hitting her. The 8.5 pound space rock is currently on display at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa.

12. Alabama Has Its Very Own Stonehenge

In Elberta stands an exact replica of England's Stonehenge. Created by the artist Mark Cline, it was built from fiberglass in 2012 at the request of a billionaire. A popular roadside attraction that is free to visit, Bamahenge is one of our favorite quirky attractions in Alabama to take visitors to!

These are just a few of the many unique trivia facts about Alabama. Can you think of any other fun facts about Alabama you'd add to this list? Share this article with a friend and let them know!

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