Ornament - ALABAMA

The camellia was designated the state flower of Alabama in 1959, replacing the original state flower, the goldenrod. There is much symbolism associated with the lovely camellia: gratitude, perfectionism, love, affection and admiration. This wonderful design is a tribute to this beautiful bloom and also pays homage to our wonderful 22nd state, Alabama. The mountainous northern region of Alabama, slopes to gentle plains which lead to the magnificent Gulf Coast in the southwestern corner of the state. One would think the humid, subtropical climate would make agriculture the state's primary industry -- but it's not. Although cotton was once king in the "Yellowhammer State", the aerospace and defence industries are the largest employers, followed closely by the state's magnIficent universities. Alabama seldom sees snow, which is ironic given that the camellia is sometimes called the "rose of winter". It was in winter, January 11, 1861, that Alabama declared its secession from the Union. After remaining an independant republic for a few days, it joined the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy's capital was initially at Montgomery. Alabama was heavily involved in the American Civil War. Although comparatively few battles were fought in the state, Alabama contributed about 120,000 soldiers to the war effort. However, it was during the Battle of Mobile Bay, in 1864, that Admiral David Farragut issued his famous command, "D@mn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." Alabama is nicknamed the Yellowhammer State, after the state bird. Alabama is also known as the "Heart of Dixie" and the Cotton State. Few people know that Alabama is also the home of the 157th recognised impact crater on the entire planet. A five-mile-wide meteorite impact crater is located in Elmore County, just north of Montgomery. The Wetumpka crater is the site of "Alabama's greatest natural disaster." A one-thousand-foot-wide meteorite hit the area about eighty million years ago. This delightful design, celebrating the 22nd addition to the United States, offers an outline of the state of Alabama, filled with their state flower, the lovely camellia. For the front, a text image of the state name has been added, while the back features information on the state flower as well as a commemorating year. A lovely souvenir and a marvellous addition to your Alabama Christmas tree.