Montgomery is the capital city of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, Montgomery had a population of 200,603, making it the second most populous city in Alabama after Birmingham.
History
Montgomery was founded in 1816. It was named after Richard Montgomery, a Revolutionary War general. Montgomery served as the first capital of the Confederate States of America in 1861. It remained Alabama’s capital city after the American Civil War. Significant events in Montgomery’s history include the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, a major event in the Civil Rights Movement against racial segregation. Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white person, sparking the boycott.
Geography
Montgomery is located in central Alabama along the Alabama River. It has an area of 156.2 square miles, of which 155.4 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water. It sits in the Gulf Coastal Plain region. Montgomery has a humid subtropical climate typical of the southeastern U.S. Summers are hot and humid while winters are mild.
Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Montgomery had a population of 200,603 residents. The racial makeup of the city was 56.6% Black or African American, 35.8% White, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. 5.4% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median age in Montgomery is 33.8 years old. 22.7% of the population is under age 18 while 12.5% is aged 65 or older. For every 100 females, there are 88.6 males. 53.7% of the population over age 16 is in the labor force.
The median household income in Montgomery is $50,398 while the per capita income is $26,698. 18.8% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Economy
Montgomery has a diversified economy made up of government, education, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, retail, tourism, and other industries. Some of the top employers in Montgomery include:
- Maxwell Air Force Base (12,824 employees)
- State of Alabama (9,500 employees)
- Montgomery Public Schools (4,524 employees)
- Baptist Health (4,200 employees)
- Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (2,500 employees)
- Alfa Insurance (2,200 employees)
- Montgomery County (1,970 employees)
- Jackson Hospital & Clinic (1,443 employees)
Manufacturing is a major part of Montgomery’s economy. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama has an automotive plant that produces over 300,000 vehicles per year. Other major manufacturers include BD, PEMCO, and Kowa Pharmaceuticals. The retail sector also provides many jobs, with major shopping malls and plazas throughout the metro area.
Montgomery has worked to diversity its economy in recent years, attracting technology and healthcare companies. Infirmary Health, Baptist Health, and Jackson Hospital are major healthcare employers. Technology firms such as MaxCyte, Shoals Technologies, and Wind Creek Hospitality have operations in Montgomery.
For more on Montgomery’s economy and job market, check out the City of Montgomery’s Facebook page.
Transportation
Montgomery Regional Airport provides commercial air service to the city. Interstates 65, 85, and 331 pass through Montgomery, making it a transportation hub. Two major rail lines also serve the city.
The Montgomery Area Transit System (The M) provides public transportation throughout Montgomery with buses and paratransit service.
Attractions
Some of Montgomery’s major attractions include:
- The Alabama State Capitol – A National Historic Landmark, this Greek Revival-style building has served as Alabama’s state capitol building since 1847.
- Rosa Parks Museum – Honors the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, the civil rights pioneer who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts – Home to a premier collection of American art with works from the 19th century to today.
- Montgomery Zoo – A 120-acre zoo housing over 500 animals representing more than 175 species from around the world.
- Old Alabama Town – Depicts Alabama life from the mid 1800s to early 1900s with historic buildings and costumed interpreters.
- Hank Williams Museum – Celebrates the life and music of country legend Hank Williams, a Montgomery native.
- First White House of the Confederacy – Served as the first White House of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865.
Major landmarks include the Alabama River, the city’s founding site at the confluence of the Tallapoosa and Coosa rivers, and the state capitol building topped by its distinctive white dome.
For more on things to see and do in Montgomery, visit the city’s tourism website.
Sports
Montgomery is home to minor league baseball and hockey teams:
- The Montgomery Biscuits are a Double-A baseball team in the Southern League and an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. They play at Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium.
- The Montgomery Bulls are a Southern Professional Hockey League team that plays at the Montgomery Civic Center.
For more on Montgomery’s sports teams, visit the Biscuits website and Bulls website.
Education
Montgomery Public Schools operates public K-12 education in the city. There are several higher education institutions located in the city:
- Alabama State University
- Troy University Montgomery
- Huntingdon College
- Faulkner University
- Baptist Medical Center South
Conclusion
Montgomery is a historic capital city with a diverse economy and growing population. Its rich history, attractions, education institutions, and sports teams make Montgomery an exciting place to live in and visit in Alabama. The city has seen steady population growth and has worked to attract new industries and investments as it continues developing into the future.