Alabama may be known for sweet tea and Southern hospitality but the state’s history is packed with surprising firsts record holders and nationally significant moments. From space exploration to wildlife conservation Alabama’s impact reaches far beyond its borders.
Here are seven facts about Alabama that may surprise you.
The rocket that sent humans to the moon was developed in Huntsville
Huntsville played a pivotal role in the Apollo missions that landed humans on the moon. The Saturn V rocket which carried astronauts to the lunar surface was developed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center under the leadership of Wernher von Braun and his team of engineers.
Standing more than 360 feet tall the Saturn V remains the most powerful rocket ever successfully launched. Engineers in Huntsville were responsible for designing and testing the rocket’s propulsion systems making the city a cornerstone of America’s space program. That work during the Apollo era cemented Huntsville’s place in history and earned it the long standing nickname Rocket City.
Alabama has more turtle species than any other state
Alabama is the most turtle diverse state in the United States with more than 30 species found across its rivers wetlands and coastal waters. The Mobile River Basin alone is considered one of the most biologically diverse freshwater systems in North America…