4 Bizarre Facts You Never Knew About Alabama

May 20, 2016

Although it doesn’t garner the same type of attention as states like New York or California, Alabama has tons of interesting facts that most people don’t know about. If you’re looking to learn more of the trivial side of the state, check out some of these bizarre tidbits.

1. Take a Shot

Out of the 50 states in the Union, only Alabama had the audacity to make a spirit its official state beverage. The next time you’re there and want to raise your glass in celebration, reach for the Conecuh Ridge Whiskey.

2. Leave the Bears Alone

For some reason, bear wrestling was such a problem that the state outlawed it, and anyone caught wrestling a bear is subject to a Class-B felony. Remember, this also includes buying a bear for the purpose of bear wrestling and the actual wrestling itself.

3. Discount Luggage

If you love shopping at thrift stores, you almost certainly have to go to Scottsboro, Alabama. When airlines can’t find the rightful owner of lost luggage, they sell it to a local store, who then sells it to customers. There’s no telling what you might find.

4. Make Up Your Mind

Throughout its history, Alabama has had five capital cities. This includes St. Stephens, the original capital in 1817, Huntsville, Cahawba, Tuscaloosa, and the current capital of Montgomery. It only took the state 29 years to decide, but they finally settled on one location.

Alabama definitely has its fair share of bizarre attributes. Just make sure not to order the wrong whiskey at your next underground bear wrestling event.

Image via Flickr by Fire At Will [Photography]