Alabama

Hello there. I have warm, sugary sand where little waves tickle your toes. I have tall green forests where happy birds sing good morning, and long, wiggly rivers that are just right for a boat ride. My sunshine feels like a warm hug. Do you know who I am? I am the state of Alabama.

My story is very long. Long, long ago, Native American people like the Creek and Cherokee lived here. They knew my forests and rivers by heart and took great care of me. Then, I joined a big family of states on a special day, December 14th, 1819. That was a very long time ago. Growing up wasn't always easy. I had to learn how to be fair and kind to everyone. Brave people helped me learn, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He helped show everyone the way with a long, peaceful walk for kindness in 1965.

I have some exciting secrets to share. Guess what? I helped send astronauts to the big, bright moon. In my city of Huntsville, clever people built giant rockets that went whoosh and flew all the way into space in 1969. I am also filled with happy music. My songs make you want to clap your hands and dance all around. I love rhythms that make your feet tap, tap, tap.

Today, I am a wonderful place for adventure and dreams. You can come build tall sandcastles on my beaches, look up at giant rockets that touched the stars, and listen to my happy songs. I love sharing my sunshine and my stories with new friends just like you. I am Alabama, and I can't wait to meet you.