Tuscaloosa
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| Tuscaloosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Tuscaloosa |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Druid City" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision name1 | Alabama |
| Subdivision name2 | Tuscaloosa |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1816 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | December 13, 1819 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Walt Maddox |
| Area total km2 | 185.7 |
| Area total sq mi | 71.7 |
| Area land km2 | 177.0 |
| Area land sq mi | 68.3 |
| Area water km2 | 8.7 |
| Area water sq mi | 3.4 |
| Elevation m | 68 |
| Elevation ft | 223 |
| Population total | 100,618 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | −6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | −5 |
| Coordinates | 33, 12, 24, N... |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 35401–35407, 35485–35487 |
| Area code | 205, 659 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 01-77256 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0153730 |
| Website | www.tuscaloosa.com |
Tuscaloosa. A city in west-central Alabama and the county seat of Tuscaloosa County, it is situated on the fall line of the Black Warrior River. Known as the "Druid City" for its many water oaks, it is the fifth-largest city in Alabama and a regional hub for industry, commerce, healthcare, and education, most famously as the home of the University of Alabama.
History
The area's history is deeply tied to the Mississippian culture, with the nearby Moundville Archaeological Site representing a major pre-Columbian political and ceremonial center. The name itself derives from Tuskaloosa, a paramount chief of the Mississippian culture encountered by the Hernando de Soto expedition in 1540. Following the Creek War and the subsequent Treaty of Fort Jackson, American settlement began, and the city was officially founded in 1816. It served as the state capital of Alabama from 1826 to 1846, a period that saw the arrival of the University of Alabama in 1831. The city was a center for Confederate industry during the American Civil War and was famously burned by Union troops under Brigadier General John T. Croxton in April 1865, an event that spared only a few structures, including the Gorgas House. The 20th century brought industrialization, notably with the establishment of a large Mercedes-Benz production facility in the 1990s, and the city has faced significant challenges, including destruction from an EF4 tornado in 2011.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 71.7 square miles, with 68.3 square miles of land and 3.4 square miles of water. The city's topography is defined by the Black Warrior River, which bisects the city and is impounded to form Holt Lake northeast of the city. The Fall line runs through the area, creating a transition between the Piedmont and Coastal plain regions. Major geographic features include Lake Tuscaloosa, a large reservoir to the north, and Lake Lurleen State Park to the west. The city lies within the Eastern Temperate Forests ecoregion and has a humid subtropical climate, classified as Cfa.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the city had a population of 100,618, making it the fifth most populous city in Alabama. The racial composition was approximately 45.3% White, 44.5% African American, 3.1% Asian American, and 4.5% identifying as two or more races; 5.1% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race. The presence of the University of Alabama significantly influences the age distribution, with a large population aged 18 to 24. The median household income was $48,347, and approximately 24.5% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Economy
The economy is diverse, anchored by education, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The University of Alabama is the city's largest employer. Major industrial employers include the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International assembly plant in nearby Vance, which produces vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the JVCKenwood facility. DCH Regional Medical Center is a major healthcare provider and employer. Other significant sectors include Michelin tire production, Boeing supplier GKN Aerospace, and the Jim Walter Resources coal mining operations. The city is also a regional retail hub, with major shopping centers like University Mall.
Culture and education
The city is synonymous with the University of Alabama, whose Alabama Crimson Tide football program is a central cultural force, with games played at Bryant–Denny Stadium. Key cultural institutions include the Paul W. Bryant Museum, the Alabama Museum of Natural History, and the Bama Theatre. The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and the Kentuck Art Center in nearby Northport provide performing and visual arts. Higher education is also served by Stillman College, a historically black college, and Shelton State Community College. The city hosts major events like the Druid City Arts Festival and is the birthplace of authors like Harper Lee and Winston Groom.
Government
The city operates under a mayor–council form of government. The mayor, currently Walt Maddox, is elected at-large and serves as the chief executive officer. The legislative branch is the Tuscaloosa City Council, a seven-member body elected from single-member districts. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including police through the Tuscaloosa Police Department and fire protection through the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Service. The city is part of Alabama's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Robert Aderholt, and in the Alabama Legislature by members of the Alabama Senate and Alabama House of Representatives.
Category:Tuscaloosa, Alabama Category:Cities in Alabama Category:County seats in Alabama