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Montgomery, AL Neighborhood Guide

Alabama’s state capital, Montgomery, is the pride and joy of the south. With its beautiful placement in the center of the state in the Gulf Coast Plains, Montgomery is the second most populated city in Alabama. Montgomery’s beauty is only part of her appeal, the city’s rich history and long list of exciting attractions contribute to why people love to call Montgomery home.

Learn more about Montgomery at the city’s official website: http://www.montgomeryal.gov/index.aspx

History

Built on old Alibamu Tribe land, Montgomery, Alabama has always been known for her “red-earthed” beauty. When Europeans arrived, they were impressed by the land’s unique earth tones and its proximity to the Alabama River. When James McQueen settled in Montgomery in 1716, he was the first permanent inhabitant. Larger groups followed General John Scott to the area a few years later and founded Alabama Town which is about two miles south of present-day downtown Montgomery. With the founding of two new settlements came some rivalries, but in December 1819, the towns merged and formed the city we now know as Montgomery, Alabama. Thanks to the cotton trade, Montgomery grew rapidly and was named as the new capital on January 28, 1846. Later, in 1861, Alabama joined forces with Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina to form the Confederate States of America. The politicians met in Montgomery, which they named the first capital of their new nation. The Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, was even inaugurated as their President on the front steps of the State Capital. After the Civil War, Montgomery was the site of many important events in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Today, visitors and locals can learn about the events that helped shape Montgomery at any number of museums which tell the stories of the people involved in the movement that changed our country forever.

For more information about Montgomery’s history, view this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery,_Alabama

Attractions

F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
Visit the home of one of America’s most influential authors and tour a museum that takes you back in time. F. Scott Fitzgerald met his wife, Zelda, while he was stationed in Montgomery for the First World War and the museum is located in the house where they lived together after their marriage. Come celebrate the life and works of the man that brought us The Great Gatsby.

Discover more at the museum’s official website: www.fitzgeraldmuseum.net

Shakespeare Garden & Amphitheater
Come visit the Blount Cultural Park and see the Shakespeare Garden & Ampitheater which features a breathtaking display of plants and flowers that were mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays. Not only is it culturally captivating, but the gardens provide visitors with a comfortable oasis away from the busy city life.

Discover more at the park’s website: www.blountculturalpark.org

Montgomery Zoo
Experience a day of family fun at the Montgomery Zoo. Recently expanded, the zoo features hundreds of exotic animals from lions, to tigers, to bears… oh my! Whether you six or sixty, you will love this zoo!

For more information on the zoo, follow this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Zoo

Parks & Recreation

The Montgomery Department of Parks and Recreation are dedicated to providing its citizens and visitors with innumerable amounts of fun and entertainment. The department offers everything from gymnastics to tennis to athletic programs to pristine local parks. With its diverse options, Montgomery can provide some fun to whoever is in search of it. The departments aims to enhance quality of life, promote good health and fitness, increase enjoyment and encourage community activities.

For a detailed list of parks and events, visit the official website: http://www.montgomeryal.gov/index.aspx?page=58

Events

Throughout the year, Montgomery offers a number of annual events, concerts and exhibitions at local venues. Please view the events calendar for a more specific list of upcoming events!