One in an occasional series about Birmingham’s 150th anniversary
From a very rough beginning 150 years ago, Birmingham smoothed out and became a world-class city.
Founded on June 1, 1871, by real estate promoters who sold lots near the planned crossing of the Alabama and Chattanooga and South and North railroads, Birmingham was incorporated on Dec. 19, 1871.
The site of the railroad crossing was notable for the nearby deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone the three principal raw materials used in making steel. Birmingham is the only place worldwide where significant amounts of all three minerals can be found in such close proximity.