13 Reasons Why The Entire Country Should Be Thankful For Alabama

Alabama is the only U.S. state with all major natural resources to make iron and steel. It's also the largest supplier of cast iron and steel pipe products.

In 1886, the world's first Electric Trolley System was introduced in Montgomery.

Alabamians are huge supporters of the military.

There are numerous automobile manufacturing plants in Alabama. For example, Hyundai’s first U.S. manufacturing plant is located in Montgomery. If you drive a Hyundai, chances are it was built here in Alabama.

While on a trip to New York, Mary Anderson saw a need for windshield wipers and invented (1903) them when she returned home to Alabama. She never made any money from her invention because people believed the windshield wipers would be a distraction. Interestingly enough, they're now standard on all vehicles.

In addition to windshield wipers, George F. Kirchoff's airbag is another safety invention to come out of Alabama. This important invention has been saving lives since 1987, the year it was introduced.

A lot of great music has been recorded here in Alabama. Ever since the release of the documentary "Muscle Shoals," more and more people are becoming familiar with the music heritage in northern Alabama. Many artists, such as The Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin, have recorded at Fame Recording Studios, located in Muscle Shoals. The country music group Alabama is from Fort Payne, and several former American Idol contestants are from Alabama. Two of these contestants, Reuben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, actually won their season and are both from the Birmingham area.

Many award-winning authors are from Alabama. One such author includes Harper Lee - "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Go Set a Watchman." Alabama is also home to many fictitious characters, including Forrest Gump.

In 1703, the United State’s first Mardi Gras celebration took place in Mobile, Alabama, 15 years before New Orleans.

Approximately half of the peanuts grown in the United States are grown within 100 miles of Dothan, Alabama. Dothan is also home to the National Peanut Festival.

Alabamians are some of the greatest people you'll ever meet!