Alabama - The US Explained 

MAINE is up next in The US Explained and I'm excited! I've never been there, so Mainers, time to shine! Please reply to fill me in on what I need to know about your home state, such as unique food, traditions, places, some fun facts and local dialects and pronunciations! I can't promise everything will make it into the video, but I will try my best, and I'm looking forward to getting started! Also, check out my new podcast here - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riffing-and-ranting/id1704428344 or here open.spotify.com/show/4JAOrIHhwg4CGEICWl4BXW

Some of the untouched places in Alabama are absolutely beautiful, like a legendary forest you see in fairytales

As an Alabamian native, I'm very pleased that this video wasn't just "haha look at these toothless, racist, hicks." I grew up about an hour from Birmingham in a small city. Most people in my city are middle class working people, but I do see the effects of poverty when from time to time. I truly love this state, and I can't think of calling anywhere else my home, even though I have lived other places. I hold it very close to my heart. I appreciate you going through the history of our state. Much of which I learned in Elementary history class, but never thought anyone would care about it. So it was a nice surprise to stumble across this video. Also, I really like the flag. It's simple, It's not ugly, and it's not just a blue background with a patch on it. Even if some people think it alludes to the confederacy, it's a pretty good flag by US state standards.

Small correction- Phenix City, AL actually runs on eastern time because it is so closely tied to Columbus, GA

Lived in Alabama all my life, definitely not a perfect state, but theres something to be appreciated about the easy-going vibe we've got going on here in my opinion.

As a black guy (21 y/o UAB student) who grew up here, AL really is such a unique experience, as it is often the butt of jokes, but also for me, has been a great place to grow up in. As a person who grew up 15 minutes from Mobile Bay, I myself grew up with a coastal mindset more so than “country”. I’d say the coast definitely is like country-pop music vs Birmingham where I go to school, which is baby Atlanta in a way, a lot of super wealthy and super poor people. You really have to experience it for yourself to see all of the great things that are here, and the surprisingly changing mindset out of the youth, despite its still persistent (taught) ignorance that older people hold. Luckily, I grew up in a very loving, welcoming hometown, Satsuma, which despite being a serverly outnumbered minority, I really didn’t experience any racial issues like one might think, the complete opposite really, but that’s just my experience. It’s a slower state, and not really the most fun for young adults, but as a kid, and an adult, you kind of appreciate the easy-going vibe of the state, so I’d say give it a visit, though, I still do plan to move away.

Your series should be included in every state's public education curricula. Phenomenal work!

In Alabama we dont only deal with hurricane season but we also have 2 tornado seasons. Rule of thumb is if James Spann breaks into programming,you stop what you are doing to listen to what he has to say👍

As an Alabamian I appreciate your great depiction of my state. ❤️

Being a native of Mobile, it's great to see a spotlight shone on my home's fascinating history. Wonderful video, thank you.

Fun fact: Alabama has fewer people than Hong Kong despite both areas having similar climate, precipitation, and temperatures. Hong Kong surpassed Alabama population somewhere in the 1960s. Alabama in 2023 is growing a bit faster though in terms of % increase.

This video has left me with more interest in Alabama than I've ever had. I'd like to visit here now. That is interesting!

Phenix City actually uses Eastern Time despite the state generally using Central, precisely because it's basically a suburb of Columbus, Georgia and that makes it easier for people commuting across the state line.

I’m European but I’ve been binge watching this series! These are so fascinating to me! We get a very ”narrow” view of the US from our media so it’s super interesting to see how diverse and different states are from one another. Haven’t been to the US yet but I’ll definitely visit when I’ll get the chance. Just can’t decide where to go first. Thank you!

As a alabamian I can say this was a great video, but one thing I would have liked you to have meant was the fact that Alabama is actually most biologically diverse state in the United States, with more species of plants and animals than any other state. Mobile Delta has even been called the American Amazon

Loved the video as a Northeast Alabama Native. This state is so beautiful, but often the butt of so many jokes no one takes us seriously. I’m proud of my home state and love living here.

Born and raised in mobile Alabama, it’s came a log way since I was a kid and honestly I believe my state is only going to get better

I grew up in mobile county (mainly Theodore and Grand Bay) and I love the state of Alabama. The state takes so much grief and hate which isn’t really true. I did think one thing that is important to note is the “poverty rate”. National poverty rate is based off what the median annual income is in the US. While people in Alabama make less money things are also cheaper and we know how to live off the land. I live in central florida now for work and make nearly 70k a year and it’s barely enough for just me and my wife to get by, while my dad back home makes a little over 50k a year and supports my mom and 3 siblings and they live in a 3bd/2bath house on an acre and a half of land with little to know money issues. It’s one of the things I miss about my home.

I am just into the first few minutes of this presentation but very impressed by your intro, Carter!! I am an Alabama native (I moved away years ago but spent my formative years). I will drop another comment at the end of the presentation but am convinced it will be extremely well done just as all your other presentations and series are.

As an Alabama native who is obnoxiously proud of my home state I appreciate this video. God bless you brother for your straightforward, unbiased, and insightful commentary

My only critique so far.. I work at that "snowy" mountain you showed, the highest point in the state. We get no more snow than the surrounding area. A little bit more ice during the deep winter due to being in the cloud layer, but not much. Don't let the picture fool you, we have a beautiful park up here just waiting for folks to come take in some of the best views in the southern usa.

Lifelong resident here, born 1957 in the Tennessee Valley, Auburn graduate, worked for US Dept of Ag all over the state. Now retired in my hometown. Lots to love about this state and lots to hate. A fair video. Thanks.

I always get excited whenever a new video in The US Explained comes out, and I was not disappointed about the Alabama episode by any means. You really did a great job emphasizing its key role in the Civil Rights Movement while still including everything else that makes the state unique. I can’t wait for Maine and for all the remaining episodes in the series. Thank you so much, Carter, for your dedication to this series, because it is by far one of my most favorite series on RU-vid. Greetings from New York!

Once again, you killed it, Carter! I don't know much about Alabama, but I learned a few new things from watching your content. Can't wait until the next episode 👏🙌

Always wondered why the Confederate States moved their capitol from Montgomery to Richmond. Today we take Air Conditioning for granted that we forget that warmer weather wasn't always better back then.

Did not expect my town (Fairhope) to get a show out! But seriously, loved the video. I just recently moved to a different state up north and have been missing Alabama. Thanks for bringing a little slice of home to me ❤

I love Alabama and am proud to be a resident of this great state. Great fishing, hiking and great people too. Hope to spend the rest of my life here and fishing every river and lake we have.

As a native Alabamian this video makes me so proud, thank you Carter!!

Been to the nice little town of Enterprise. I don’t like the climate there, but the food and locals are great! Roll tide!

Thank you for this in depth look at my home state. It was much better than the history I once studied. Well done. I still live in Alabama and you presented it accurately.

the sweetest home

The pronunciation of Mobile has its stress on the final syllable, mo-BEEL.

Excellent and comprehensive overview of Alabama. Got to say I'm always impressed by your content and the calm and measured tone... I'm now both educated and relaxed! After watching that, I really would love to visit and explore this state. Keep up the good work and all the best from me in sunny Scotland.

Born in Jackson, MS, but raised in Fairhope, AL for 23 years. I've lived all over the country, but couldn't wait to get back in the end. I'm very proud of my state and all its people. Thanks for giving us a fair shake.

YESSS. One of my favorite series on RU-vid. Keep up the good work, man!

I love this series so much. Great work, dude.

A short list of things to look at when researching Maine: - The proportion of homes that sit vacant (second homes) - Population density differences between Portland area and the rest of the state - The weird privately-owned "state" parks like Baxter State Park - Penobscot Narrows Bridge - The Clean Water Act and the Androscoggin River - Maine's origin in the Missouri Compromise (and earlier status as a colony of a colony) - The Bay of Fundy's incredible tides - Plans for massive off-shore wind turbines - LL Bean - The Great Kennebec Whatever Race - The 100-mile Wilderness Also, pronunciation of place names is going to be an absolute nightmare. You will need to find a native Mainer to talk to.

Been waiting on this one. Can’t wait to finish and thanks!

Proud Alabamian here. I love my neighbors and I love my home. But most importantly I love Alabama Football. Roll Tide!

Mobile is actually the largest city in Alabama due to recent annexation. Also, I am very impressed! Thank you for covering the state well!

from alabama, you pretty much nailed it. Nice work and setting the record straight that MOBILE STARTED MARDI GRAS. thank you for that

Love this series. Always very interesting and enjoyable to watch

Can't get enough of this series! Thank you for another awesome video, can't wait for Maine!

You didn’t mention Flora-Bama. It’s right on the state line on the coast and where everyone goes to party. To this day different music artists will randomly stop in and put on a show for everyone. I grew up in Muscle Shoals, AL and Russellville, AL. I was born in MS and at age 14 we moved back to MS. I love AL and always will. It’s a great place to live. But MS is just home. You also didn’t mention Helen Keller who was the first deaf and blind person to graduate college. She went on to become a published author. Her story is amazing!

Thanks for a great video. Excellent overview of Alabama.

Born, raised, & in love with my 334 area code *sometimes 🤣

Thank you so much for correctly pronouncing Mobile, it drives me crazy how often people mispronounce it.

I can't wait to watch the video about Michigan

Alabama may not have the best reputation, but it's still home. Living in a nice suburb like Hoover probably helps.

Be going through Bama soon. My road trip/vacation will take me there. I look forward to the hospitality and good food. I look forward to the scenery and good outlook the people have there. I also want to experience the inland fishing, plus some coastal. See ya all, soon !!!

I love how in depth you go into your videos keep up it up!!

A great piece on Alabama. We are improving slowly.

As an Alabama resident I gotta say you did a great job on us

Huntsville was also chosen for its climate, similar to Bavaria. There were also a significant number of German immigrants in North Alabama. Cullman was a German town. It was built on a grid like some European cities. Octoberfest is becoming a large festival.

Alabamian here who recently returned from a trip to Gulf Shores. I struck up conversations with maybe 8 or 9 different people who were also visiting, and none of them were from Alabama. I met people from Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. I love the Alabama gulf coast and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering a visit. Were a very hospitable state and most of us welcome visitors with open arms.

I enjoyed this very much very correct on all aspects of Alabama as I have lived in South Alabama for over 40 years moving from the Chicago area in the late 70s much enjoyed the historic part, thanks

Hahaha! I live in Phenix City and was about to go into your comments to mention our Time Zone discrepancy, but I'm SO happy you did your research and realized that we're EST! Phenomenal video so far, thank you for covering our wonderful state!

Such a well researched and presented video. I would have to guess there is more history and geography in it than you would receive in an entire term of public school Alabama history class.

As a Mississippian who lived all over. I live in Alabama now and have to say I love it here. It has more to offer me than any other state I lived in over the years. Also being someone who likes too travel, I like being in the middle of other major cities.

Im sorry man but to name notable people from Alabama and not mention Hank Williams Sr is just absurd

Where in Alabama would you like to visit?

Back in the mid 90's I had the opportunity to visit Alabama for two Thanksgivings. We started from California, and I remember never seeing a moon as full as the moon I saw driving through in New Mexico. I would doze off in Texas and wake up with us still driving thru Texas. The first year I went, we got stuck on a very icy 10 freeway for hours due to an accident, and the next trip missed a tornado crossing the 10 freeway by minutes in Mississippi. The family home of my ex was located in a rural part of Marengo County, AL. We went to a Walmart in Linden. Since their land was in a rural area, the roads were scary dark at night, and they even had a family cemetery. I also saw red clay earth for the first time which was cool. It was such a beautiful place and the air was so clean!!!Whenever we drove on the roads during the day, everyone would honk and wave, which I found so fascinating. People in California aren't really the friendly sort, so I wasn't used to that. I asked my ex, "Why are people waving at us?" 😂😂😂 Those were really some good times, though. Now that I'm nearing retirement age, I've started to consider Alabama as a future retirement home and recently looked at some homes in Huntsville. I do have concerns as I know nothing of the South. My grandma and grandpa, both from Arkansas, met in California and never went back. I know nothing about the South nor sundown towns, so I am unsure if I can respectfully navigate my way without upsetting some folks. Some people say the South is not that bad anymore. Others seem to beg to differ.

I have fond memories of visiting my grandparents here and equally interesting times attending family reunions. Our family placed major emphasis on education, so it's nice to hear your comments about the HBCUs here. Very interesting videos.

The Heart of Dixie Sweet home Alabama

Thank you so much for a very accurate assesment of my Home state. It was fair, honest, and on point. I left there in 1965 at 17 years of age, but still have wonderful memories of the lifestyle I lived then. I get a good laugh now when people find out that I am from there, and ask "Where is your accent". Northern Alabamians don't really have much of one. LOL I have been back many times for weddings, and funerals, not to mention vacations, it is a breathtakingly beautiful place.

I've lived in Alabama for 7 years now and I can say that the locals feel a deep pride in their state. There is deep culture here that goes far back in history and unites the citizens along geographic, familial, and religious dimensions, and creates a very strong and resilient people. The American spirit is very much alive in Alabama. It's a good place to live.

I'm a Decatur, Alabama native (and I saw that you mentioned my city, which is cool) but I currently luve in Florida. Very well done video

Love the Bama. Hailing from North Dadeville, Alabama. Don't you forget it.

An *excellent* work, Loved it!❤

I’m a Montgomery native; this is a fair and respectable assessment.

Thank you for mentioning Huntsville! So many people forget about us!

Excellent summary of Alabama. I’m impressed by your organization and your ability to include so many points in a relatively short video.

@45:52, The US Space and Rocket Center is primarily museum and learning center, not research center and was established years after the Redstone Arsenal. Also, Space Camp is at the Space and Rocket Center.

One of few southern states I haven’t been to, but I only consider a state as one I’ve been to if I did something noteworthy there. My dad and I did drive through on the way to Mississippi though.

Thanks for showing our wonderful State to YT. We’re not the richest down here. But we also don’t measure our wealth in dollars. Alabama has given so much to my life and I’ll love the heart of Dixie forever ❤. And as a Phenix City native, I can confirm we all struggle with the time. 😂 We actually use Ga time inside of Alabama because most of the people in the city work in Columbus, Ga.

I'm from Florence, Alabama. I've lived in Florence, Huntsville and Birmingham while there. This is by far the most accurate video on Alabama history, culture and demography. I've had a complex relationship with my home state, being gay & having left Alabama in 2000. My Yankee dad used to point to FAME Record Studios and say "all the Music you listen to was recorded there". I drink my sweet tea, listen Muscle Shoals recorded music, watch SEC Football and am a Crimson Tide fan. I grew up in #RollTideWorldWide. My parents didn't allow me or my to use racist language. In fact, I would have gotten my ass beaten if I did. My mom was one of 15 kids, my grandfather, 4 uncles and my dad worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority and my mom worked as a civilian staffer for NASA & Redstone Arsenal in 89-91, thereafter she did staffing for Merdedes in Tuscaloosa & Saturn in Columbia Tennessee. I miss Catfish and Crawfish. My mom died in Nashville but was buried in Alabama. My dad lives in Tennessee & I live in Montréal, Québec. My dad reads the Times Daily Newspaper daily, he knows two stores in Lawrence County Tennessee where they sell it. Yadda yadda

One thing to note about the historian drawing connections of the Alabama flag to the confederate flag: His main project as a historian was to try to write Alabama's first comprehensive history book. He did remarkably well considering he was initially a hobby historian, but on a project like that, he would be trying to make good through threads to make a more comprehensible story. It'd be a bit weird for it to be based off the battle flag, to be honest, since it was adopted well past reconstruction and Mississippi's old flag, which was more blatant, was adopted a year prior.

0:28 That's Big Spring Park in my hometown of Huntsville, Alabama! old picture but I was surprised to see it in here

I was born/raised in Vermilion County, Illinois. Spent six years in California prior to enlisting in the US Army. Attended Army AIT at Redstone Arsenal (Huntsville), AL and served as cadre there later on in my career. Settled down in Huntsville shortly after retiring from service, and I absolutely love it here. The summers can get rather brutal, but the rest of the year I have no complaints. It's very veteran friendly, and it's quite easy to live frugally.

I live in Phenix City, AL; It's one of the only cities in Alabama to go by Eastern time being in the metro of Columbus, Georgia.

Clean editing and fact checking. Greatly improved presentation. Keep striving.

Being from Florida I never knew bama had mountains like that, I remember driving in from Georgia and there was water and mountains 😮thought I was in Hawaii or Cali for a second

I’m from Enterprise Alabama. Right next to Dothan and Ft Rucker. In Texas now and I love it 100%. But Alabama always has a part of my heart.

My favorite artist, Jason Isbell is from Alabama!

So good my dude. Idk what your trick is but you're killing it.

Huntsville checking in! If you from Huntsville hit the like!

THANK YOU SO MUCH !! I cant wait to become an ALABAMIAN!! 💗💓💓

At 10:07 if you see smiths station , that’s where I’m from. Born in Phenix City. We go by eastern time because we are on the border with Georgia. Sweet Home Alabama, Alabama the Beautiful, Heart of Dixie, whatever you choose to call it I call it Home.

Thanks for doing my home state a great justice! I grew up in Gulf Shores, the more time I spend away from it the more I wish to go back. The only downside for me is there are no jobs for engineers in that part of the state, so I work away and “vacation” back at home.

45:40 The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is a museum today. I'm an Alabamian, born in the Florence-Muscle Shoals metropolitan area and living in Huntsville.

i love my state. been waiting on this one for awhile.

Next stop, Maine!

Great job my hillbilly friend. I plan on watching all your videos. Thank you for your hard work.

The flag is just an ode to our Spanish and English heritage

Great work, man.

I'm 26 and have lived in a small town in Alabama all my life. I can't imagine living anywhere else. We have basically anything you could want within a 3-4 hour drive, be it city life, country life, mountains, rivers, beaches, etc. While it's nice to get out and see other places from time to time, nowhere else will ever feel like home to me. The only things that make Alabama less than ideal for me are the tornadoes, humidity, bugs, and the occasional hurricane. That, and the absolutely abysmal I-65 traffic, which is continuously getting worse.

Thank you for the great Video, keep it up.

Wow! I barely knew any of this before. It's fascinating to learn of Mobile's history going back to the French, Spanish, British and then back again. Also I had no idea that there were places in the US that were loyalists and didn't sign on to join the revolution. I'll have to watch Florida next!

I have lived all over the USA and i choose to live in Lower Alabama best people i have ever met ! Great jo on the video wasnt perfect but very good

Alabama Native here. This will likely be a longwinded response. -My family come from two groups scot/irish(Father) and Chickasaw/Cherokee indian.(Mother) When you speak to Alabamians, you will generally get one of two thoughts about our home 1. They hate it, and will do anything they can to leave as soon as they can(Mostly teenagers/young adults, many end up coming back the moment they have a family) 2. They love it, and call it home regardless if they were born here or not. -Our state has a turbulent and at times troubled past. that being said we dont focus on the past, or the future, we as a people just focus on now. As a kid, its not uncommon to grow up in heavily mixed racial areas. as a result most friend groups are extremely diverse with different people. Of the places i have visited in the US, i would reach as far as to say that there is less racial tension here in the south than pretty much anywhere else(Contrary to what you hear on TV). -The vast majority of the state is rooted deeply in religion, and experiences with this will vary(like most other places) but try not to assume that if you run into someone from Alabama that is religious or talks with an accent that they are uneducated, or backwards. As many people here are highly educated, whether that be learning on their own, or in school. With regards to church, i am in the positions i am in life because of the people that became my mentors in church. i went to a small church that 4 elders and a preacher. all 4 elders were retired scientists. one of them specifically was an astrophysicist and to this day is the most intelligent and humble man i have ever met(He played key roles in the success of both Apollo and Shuttle). I am an engineer today in aerospace because of him being my mentor as a child. -Living conditions are pretty accurate to the video, many people here live just under or just above poverty..it really depends on the area. I am the first professional in my family, and the first engineer in my entire family. Ive done well for myself, but i also take care of my family and do what i can for them -Sweet tea is a contentious topic. And the food here is amazing(People make fun of southerners until they stay for a while and start packing on pounds due to the food) -People here will give the shirts off their back to help you. And thats something that often gets taken for granted by people that move here and do not adopt similar humility. If you dont stop for a funeral procession you may be confronted by a random bystander. Respect to others, and manners are key components to doing well here.(One of my closest friends transferred to work down here where i work, and has stated that the people here are the most generous and kind people that he has ever met, anywhere in the US) -If you have extremely unruly children, and you dont manage them, someone will step in and do it for you. This can be mistaken or taken out of context easily, however it boils down to the belief that it takes a village. When i was a child, and i misbehaved it was not uncommon for a random person to put me into line by saying something to me, and ultimately it made me a better person.(This became important when i was a Cop for a while, and parents would ask us to sit down and talk to them and their children about life when at lunch etc), If i was at a friends house their parents were responsible 100% for me, and they treated me as their own child. my parents did the same to my fiends and anyone else that was at the house. -People here are open to people moving here, as well enjoy meeting new people. with that being said the biggest issue i see with the large masses moving here from the west coast and up north is that people will move here because it is different, then try to change the area they move to mirror where they are from, which can cause some issues with the locals. Embrace that it is different here -Another KEY item to surviving here, people do not care how large your house is, what car you drive, or what you do for work. You get respect by showing respect. hold the door for people. talk to random people in the store. build relationships with people you have never met before. people dont care what race you are. where you are from, your sexual orientation, or your education level. people just want to live next to good people. ----Take care of your neighbor, if they need help, do what you are able to help them. one of the greatest mentalities you can take away from down here is that we are all in this together, and weve got to stick together (sorry for grammatical errors, I'm an engineer. not a english teacher. )