Alabama is home to many iconic landmarks. Several of these landmarks can be seen while driving down I-65, while others are tucked away in some of the state’s most charming towns. From historic monuments to towering structures, and quirky statues to popular tourist attractions, there’s no doubt we’d miss a lot of Alabama’s iconic landmarks if they were gone, including the 10 listed below.
1. Peach Water Tower - Clanton
Standing at 120 feet and holding 500,000 gallons of water, Clanton's peach water tower definitely grabs your attention while driving down I-65, near Exit 212. Chilton County is known as Alabama's peach country, so it's not surprising that this iconic landmark replicates a giant peach.
2. Saturn 1B Rocket at Alabama Welcome Center - Elkmont
Visitors are greeted by this Saturn 1B rocket as they pull into the Alabama Welcome Center, right off I-65. Located one mile south of the Tennessee border, this 224-foot-tall Saturn 1B rocket is one of three that was created in Huntsville - The Rocket City.
3. Boll Weevil Monument - Enterprise
The Boll Weevil Monument, located in downtown Enterprise, was built in 1919 and is the world's first monument to honor an agricultural pest.
4. USS Alabama (BB-60) - Mobile
The USS Alabama (BB-60) was the sixth ship of the U.S. Navy. This South Dakota-class battleship is also Battleship Memorial Park's main attraction.
5. Toomer's Corner - Auburn
Toomer's Corner is one of Auburn's most recognizable landmarks. Located at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, this iconic landmark is the destination for the thousands of football fans that carry on the tradition of "rolling Toomer’s Corner" after each Auburn victory.
6. Gulf Coast Beaches
Alabama's Gulf Coast consists of 32 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise-clear water. The Gulf Coast's beaches are also among the finest beaches in the world.
7. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman
Ave Maria Grotto is a beautifully landscaped 4-acre park that provides a garden setting for 125 miniature reproductions of world famous religious structures. This landmark is one of Cullman's true hidden gems.
8. Alabama Theatre - Birmingham
The Alabama Theatre, which was built in 1927, is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham and has become a true iconic landmark. During the time of its construction, the Alabama Theatre was the largest theatre in the Birmingham Theatre District.
9. Vulcan Statue - Birmingham
With a height of 56 feet, and a weight of 60 tons, Vulcan is the world's largest cast iron statue. This iconic landmark was erected in 1904 and overlooks the city of Birmingham.
10. Edmund Pettus Bridge - Selma
The Edmund Pettus Bridge, which was built in 1940, spans across the Alabama River and was the site of Bloody Sunday on March 7, 1965. The "March to Freedom" began on this historic bridge.
Are you familiar with these iconic landmarks? Can you think of any other iconic landmarks in Alabama?
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