Birmingham

Founded in 1871 during the Reconstruction era, Birmingham was formed through the merger of three smaller communities, most notably Elyton. It quickly grew into an industrial and transportation center, with a focus on mining, steel production, and railroads. Named for Birmingham, England, it developed with a labor force that included many African Americans from rural Alabama, often employed under non-union conditions. Its rapid industrial growth from 1881 to 1920 earned it the nicknames "The Magic City" and "The Pittsburgh of the South." Though the prominence of mining and heavy industry declined in the late 20th century, Birmingham remains a significant manufacturing center with a diverse economy in banking, telecommunications, transportation, medicine and higher education.