Birmingham, Alabama is home to a population of approximately 200,000 people. The metropolitan area population for Birmingham is around 1.1 million making this area a great place to make your home. If you’re not completely sold on the idea of moving or visiting Birmingham, then maybe these five fun facts will sell you on the decision.

It Was The First To Celebrate Veterans Day

Birmingham was the first city in the country to be able to celebrate Veterans Day. This is mainly due to the fact that Raymond Weeks, a veteran from Birmingham, Alabama urged the President to allow the country to celebrate a day in honor of the war veterans. 

When the President allowed the holiday to occur, Weeks lead the Veteran’s Day parade in Birmingham. Weeks was given the Presidential Citizens Medal for his role in making Veterans Day a recognized holiday in 1982.

It Holds The Largest Cast Iron Statue In The World

The city symbol, the Roman God Vulcan, the god of fire and forge is depicted in a 56-foot tall statue. This statue is the tallest cast-iron statue in the world and represents Birmingham’s roots in the industries of iron and steel. The statue is located in a park. Although the statue is similar to the Statue of Liberty in New York, you can not go inside the statue. For a nominal fee, you can venture up to the feet of the statue and capture some great images with your cameras and smartphones! 

During the holidays, there is an event called Magic of Lights that are displayed in and around the statue. These lights are so luminescent they light up the night sky. Take a piece of Birmingham home with you and buy a miniature Vulcan Statue before you leave from the gift shop!

It’s Home To Southern Living Magazine

People from far and wide recognize the name Southern Living for their well-known recipes. The lifestyle magazine is published in Birmingham. This magazine is a pillar for southern food, gardening, and design. Southern Living has been around for over fifty years! Founded in 1966, this magazine has over two million copies in circulation from 2011.

It’s The Birthplace Of Three Idols

Birmingham is home to three American Idols! Rubben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, and Bo Bice all call Birmingham their hometown! Rubben Studdard won the second season of American Idol and went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Taylor Hicks was on the fifth season of American Idol and went on to release two independent albums. Bo Bice was on the fourth season of American Idol and was runner up to Carrie Underwood!

It Features The Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame

It is no surprise that the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame is located in Birmingham, Alabama. The Jazz Hall of Fame was founded in 1978 and is dedicated to educating the nation on how jazz is a form of art that is indigenous to the United States of America. The hall honors great jazz artists that have strong ties with the state of Alabama.

Aside from these five fun facts, Birmingham has an abundance of breweries, farmer’s markets, wineries, and family-friendly activities. If you’re a wine enthusiast, follow the Birmingham wine trail! It’s one trail you won’t regret walking down. The shopping scene is on par with other cites and there are shops that are boutique and unique as well in the downtown area. If you’re strolling through town and accidentally drop your iPhone, there are great places that perform lasting iPhone repairs in Birmingham. The uBreakiFix is in South Birmingham at 3728 Lorna Road Birmingham, AL 35216 (205) 402-9592. Plan your trip to Birmingham today, you may not want to leave.