Capitol: Montgomery
Date of Statehood: December 14, 1819
Population: 4,351,999 (1998 estimation)
Flower: Camellia

All-star attractions, fascinating history, and a supporting cast of colorful character. That's what you'll discover in Montgomery. In 1846 Montgomery was chosen as the state's capital city. In 1861, the eyes of the nation turned to Montgomery as Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederate States of America. Nearly a century later, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus and ushered in a new era of social change across the nation. In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ended the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights March on the capitol steps, a block away from the church where he began his career as a minister. In addition, the country's first electric streetcar began operating in Montgomery in 1866. And, in 1910, the Wright Brothers brought their daring aviation deeds to Alabama's capital city, establishing the nation's first school for powered flight. Today, Montgomery combines its seasoned performances with the more recent role of a leading cultural and recreational center, with world-class theater and museums sharing the act with history and down-home family fun. The Maxwell Ticket and Tours office has special discount prices available for many area southeast attractions. Check this listing below for some scenic and historical sites to visit in our community.

Property Owners in Montgomery County and elsewhere in Alabama enjoy the lowest property taxes in the nation. Property owners pay taxes on a fraction of the appraised value of their land. Homeowners, who have filed for a homestead exemption, are taxed at only 10 percent of their property's value. Owners of commercial property are taxed at 20%. The exemption also allows homeowners to subtract up to $41 from their annual tax bill. For information, call the Montgomery County revenue commissioner at 832-1220.

Alabama, Alabama, We will aye be true to thee,
From thy Southern shores where groweth,
By the sea thy orange tree.
To thy Northern vale where floweth,
Deep blue the Tennessee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Broad thy stream whose name thou bearest;
Grand thy Bigbee rolls along;
Fair thy Coosa-Tallapoosa
Bold thy Warrior, dark and strong,
Goodlier than the land that Moses
Climbed lone Nebo's Mount to see,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy prairies broad and fertile,
Where thy snow-white cotton shines,
To the hills where coal and iron
Hide in thy exausted mines,
Strong -armed miners -sturdy farmers;
Loyal hearts what'er we be,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
From thy quarries where the marble
White as that of Paros gleams
Waiting till thy sculptor'ss chisel,
Wake to life thy poet's dreams;
Fear not only wealth of nature,
Wealth of mind has no fee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Where the perfumed south-wind whispers,
Thy magnolia groves among,
Softer than a mother's kisses,
Sweeter than a mother's song,
Where the golden jasmine trailing,
Woos the treasure-laden bee,
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Brave and pure thy men and women,
Better this than corn and wine
Make us worthy, God in Heaven
Of this goodly land of Thine.
Hearts as open as thy doorways.
Liberal hands and spirits free.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!
Little, little can I give thee,
Alabama, mother mine.
But that little - hand, brain, spirit.
All I have and am are thine.
Take, O take, the gift and giver.
Take and serve thyself with me.
Alabama, Alabama, we will aye be true to thee!