From the steady growth of the city’s commercial and industrial sectors, to the ever-expanding range of recreational, cultural and dining opportunities, you will find that the Magic City possesses a progressive spirit that’s focused on putting people first.
Here in Birmingham, we are a city full of Southern charm and innovation that are hard to ignore. Thousands visit our city every month to experience what is familiar to them or to discover something new. In the summer of 2022, we hosted the World Games and in 2025, we will host the World Police and Fire Games. People pick us for their reunions, weddings, conventions, concerts, sporting events and more because of our ability to host world class events with excellence.
Whether you are new to Birmingham or you’ve long called this city home, please check out some of our historic landmarks.
4th Avenue Business District
From the musical sounds of the Carver Theater to the Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park, these venues are just some of the landmarks within the 4th Avenue Business District that help make up our city’s downtown blueprint – one that is rich in history and bursting with character.
In June 2019, the Historic 4th Avenue Business District became a Main Street Alabama designated community, the first traditionally African-American commercial district to be selected to the program in the state of Alabama. The Main Street Alabama program, focused on bringing jobs, dollars, and people back to Alabama’s historic communities, is an affiliate of the National Main Street Center.
Legion Field
Historically called the “Old Gray Lady,” Legion Field was home of the very first Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, a game that hails of national prominence even today. Legion Field also serves as the home of the Magic City Classic, the gridiron battle between Alabama State and Alabama A&M, now touted as the largest HBCU classic in the nation.
Railroad Park
Seated in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Railroad Park is where neighbors and visitors alike enjoy concerts, cultural events, or just spend time embracing nature and each other.
Rickwood Field
Since its opening day in 1910, Rickwood Field, the oldest professional baseball park in the United States, still shines like a diamond in the rough. Its rich history includes baseball greats like Ty Cobb, Leroy “Satchell” Paige, and Babe Ruth hitting homers while fans cheered legends like Willie Mays and the Birmingham Black Barons. Historically and even today, the love of America’s favorite pastime still lives in the “Magic City.”
16th Street Baptist Church
16th Street Baptist Church is more than just a church – it also serves as a hallmark of the modern civil rights movement in the United States. On Sunday, September 15, 1963 at 10:22 a.m., a bomb exploded and killed four girls and injured over a dozen others. Though its history is shocking and tragic, 16th Street serves as a beacon of solace for the world; and the message in its stained glass windows speak hope for the future.
Sloss Furnaces
The City of Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage began at Sloss Furnaces and for more than 80 years, its blast furnaces never stopped. This national historic landmark, which sits at the feet of the Appalachian Mountains, still opens its doors for visitors looking to tour the facility, attend classes, and forge their own unique piece of Birmingham history.
Vulcan
The world’s largest cast iron statue made Birmingham its official home in the 1930s and remains there today. Vulcan stands high atop Red Mountain and provides a breathtaking view of the city. From his vantage point, things are looking real good from Vulcan Park and Museum.
Kelly Ingram Park
Beneath the beauty of downtown Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park lies a powerful story – it served as the battleground during the civil rights movement, where protesters clashed with and unjust system. Today, many monuments stand there in recognition of the strength, determination and unwavering spirit that Kelly Ingram Park represents.
Downtown
The Magic City is more than just a nickname, it’s who we are. From our roots in iron and steel production to our grand legacy as part of America’s civil rights movement, Birmingham was molded in flame and rose stronger, sturdier and more beautiful and ever. Our story is one of perseverance, justice and progress.
The Magic City
From the top of Vulcan’s spear to the streets where social justice was born, the Magic City continues to live up to its legacy of industry and inclusion. Welcome to Birmingham, where we are Putting People First.
