Birmingham Public Library: Birmingham At 150—Part 2

Press release from Birmingham Public Library:

December 20, 2021

The New South

With state debt on the rise and the economy at a standstill, several railroad investors envisioned a rail crossroads just a couple miles from Elyton to create a growing economic and industrial city in the heart of Alabama.

These ideas became a reality in two years as 4150 acres were purchased from East Elyton farm
owners in January of 1871. That same year, on December 19, the City of Birmingham was incorporated into the State of Alabama.

Because of its proximity to iron ore, limestone, and coal, people recognized that Birmingham was on the rise.

This press release was produced by Birmingham Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.