4th-Alabama

Alabama is known as the "Heart of Dixie."


 * State Tree**- Longleaf Pine
 * State Flower**- Camellia
 * Capital**- Montgomery
 * Largest Populated City**- Birmingham
 * Oldest City**- Mobile
 * State Motto-**Automus Jura Nostra Defendere (We dare maintain our rights)

The first permanent European settlement in Alabama was founded by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile in 1702, which is also why Mobile is the oldest city in Alabama.  Several historic events took place in Alabama, such as the American Civil War, the civil rights movement, and other events that changed the South. During European exploration several tribes occupied Alabama. The Chickasaw, the Cherokee, the Muskogee, and the Choctaw were few of the many Native American tribes. Alabama officially became a state on December 14, 1819. **Weather** : Alabama is hot and humid in the summer months with highs in the 90's and lows in the 70's. Mild in winter months and cooler in the mountains with highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's.

**Plants and Animals:** Forest cover about two thirds of Alabama. Animals found in Alabama inlude white-tailed deer, red fox, squirrel, muskrat, nutria, beaver, rabbit, snakes, alligator, lizards, and freshwater fish.

The major minerl, coal, can be found in northern Alabama. Petroleum and natural gas can be found on he East Gulf Coastal Plain. A fairly large amount of limestone, iron ore, sand, gravel, bauxite, and clay are also located in Alabama.
 * Mineral Resources:**

Although the first school was created in 1799, the legislature did not accomodate for a statewide public educational public system until 1854.By the early 2000s, Alabama had established 1470 public schools. Some of the most distinguished schools include the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and Tuskegee University.
 * Education:**