Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama and is the county seat of Jefferson County. Birmingham is located in the heart of the Southeastern United States and is a progressive center for medical research, banking, music, technology, art, engineering and higher education.
Birmingham was founded virtually as a foundry, a city born of fire and pig iron, at an intersection of rail lines and geology that provided it the access and raw materials to make it the steel capital of the South.
The Vulcan statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the symbol of Birmingham, Alabama. The 56 foot (17 m) tall statue depicts the Roman god Vulcan, god of the fire and forge. It was created as Birmingham's entry at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.
When the Exposition in St. Louis ended, the statue was dismantled and returned to its hometown of Birmingham, only to be left in pieces alongside the railroad due to unpaid freight bills. Vulcan was eventually re-erected at the Alabama State Fairgrounds, but the statue's arms were installed incorrectly, and he was without his spear, which had been lost en route from St. Louis.
With nothing to hold in his hands, Vulcan soon became an advertising icon, at the Fairgrounds. Vulcan held an ice cream cone, a Coca-Cola bottle, and even advertised Heinz pickles. In the late 20's, he was disassembled for inspection. During this time, children would often play around the disassembled statue. He was repainted flesh color and reassembled in the early 30's.
The city is commonly known to its inhabitants as Brum (from the old name "Brummagem") and its inhabitants known as Brummies. Birmingham residents also speak with a distinctive Brummie accent. The people are generally regarded as hard working, and having an unusual sense of humour that is quite unique. It is often said that "you can always tell a Brummie, but you can't tell him much".
Housing Cost
Alabama has very affordable housing compared to housing in other parts of the country. Alabamians are able to buy more expensive houses for their income despite the rising costs of home buying. Estimated median house/condo value in 2005: $75,800.
Demographics
As of the 2000 census the population of Birmingham was 242,820 people. Birmingham covers 151.9 square miles and is between 538 and 1,200 feet above sea level.
Climate
Birmingham, AL climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 90.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 28.10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Birmingham is 58.91 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 6.86 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
