December 19th, 1871 -- Birmingham is Incorporated

On this day in 1871, The city of Birmingham was incorporated by an act of the Alabama state legislature that authorized the governor to appoint a mayor and eight aldermen.  This act also authorized the mayor to require that all males between the ages of 18 and 45 be required to work five days a year on the streets and avenues of the city.

Image courtesy of the University Library Special Collection

The full text of the act that established the city of Birmingham may be found by clicking here.

A view of Birmingham in 1873. Image courtesy of the University Library Special Collection

The city grew to over 26,000 residents by 1890, earning the name "the Magic City" for suddenly appearing where seemingly nothing had been before.

More information about Birmingham's early years -- including a list of the buildings shown in the above photograph -- may be found by clicking here.

Happy birthday, Magic City!