As one of the most populous cities in the southern United States, Birmingham, Alabama is a significant economic, cultural, and political center. Located in the heart of the Alabama metropolitan area, Birmingham is known for its rich history and diverse population. However, for those who are not familiar with the geography of the region, one question may arise: which side of the Mississippi River is Birmingham located on?
Geographical Location of Birmingham
Birmingham is located in the north-central part of the state of Alabama, in the southeastern region of the United States. The city is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, which rise to the east of the city. The city’s central location in the state of Alabama makes it a hub for transportation, commerce, and industry.
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, stretching over 2,300 miles from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. The river is an essential transportation artery for the United States, connecting the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The Mississippi River basin is also home to some of the most productive agricultural lands in the world.
The East and West Divide
The Mississippi River divides the United States into two regions: the East and the West. The eastern part of the country includes the states that are located east of the Mississippi River, while the western part includes the states that are located west of the river. The division has been in place for centuries and has shaped the history, culture, and politics of the United States.
States Along the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River flows through or borders ten states in the United States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Each state has its unique history, culture, and traditions that have been shaped by the river.
Birmingham’s State and its Location
Birmingham is located in the state of Alabama, in the southeastern United States. The state of Alabama is not located along the Mississippi River. Instead, it borders the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Georgia to the east, Tennessee to the north, and Mississippi to the west.
Birmingham’s Latitude and Longitude
Birmingham’s latitude is 33.5207° N, and its longitude is 86.8025° W. These coordinates place the city in the central time zone.
Birmingham’s Distance from the Mississippi River
Birmingham is not located along the Mississippi River. The city is approximately 250 miles east of the river.
Birmingham’s Proximity to Other Waterways
Despite not being located along the Mississippi River, Birmingham is still well-connected to other waterways. The city is located near the Coosa River and the Black Warrior River, which are both important waterways for transportation, industry, and recreation.
Birmingham’s Main Water Source
The primary source of water for Birmingham and the surrounding areas is the Birmingham Water Works Board. The board supplies water to over 600,000 people in the region and is responsible for maintaining the water quality and safety standards.
Conclusion: Which Side of the Mississippi is Birmingham Located On?
In conclusion, Birmingham is not located on either the east or west side of the Mississippi River. The city is located in the state of Alabama, approximately 250 miles east of the river. Despite not being located along the Mississippi River, Birmingham is still an important city in the southeastern United States, well-connected to other waterways and serving as a critical hub for transportation and industry.
References and Further Reading
- "Birmingham, Alabama." Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://www.britannica.com/place/Birmingham-Alabama.
- "Geography of the United States." Wikipedia. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_the_United_States.
- "Mississippi River." National Geographic. Accessed August 20, 2021. .
- "State of Alabama." Wikipedia. Accessed August 20, 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama.
