Bessemer, Alabama lies on the southwestern outskirts of Birmingham in colorful Jefferson County. Bessemer, just north of AL’s center, is between the bustling cities of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. The thriving Bessemer community benefits from close proximity to all the big city amenities found in surrounding areas.
According to Census 2000 data, Bessemer was home to 29,672 individuals. Estimates in 2003 indicate the population decreased by 2% to 29,108. Notable residents residing in Bessemer at one time or another include NASCAR driver Neil Bonnett, Thornton Dial, Diana Ross and Virginia Hill, who was the mob courier and girlfriend to Bugsy Siegel.
Bessemer initially flourished because of its vital reserves of coal, iron ore and limestone, three ingredients necessary for making steel products. Although steel production no longer takes place within the city limits, Bessemer enjoys a thriving economy, with a wide range of industry. In addition, Bessemer lies along the busy corridor between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, which ranks as the nation’s fourth best area for business development. Its centralized environment and abundance of natural resources result in a pro-business environment with ample room for growth.
Bessemer citizens and visitors have access to myriad cultural and recreational activities. The region encompassing Jefferson County boasts some of the finest public golf courses in the southeastern U.S., with several unique shopping venues and restaurants from which to choose. Bright Star, built in 1907, takes pride in its distinction of being AL’s oldest continuously operated eating establishment.
Tourists enjoy Alabama Adventure, which includes the exciting Splash Beach Water Park and Magic Adventure Theme Park. Nature lovers enjoy sites such as the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge. WaterMark Place, Bessemer’s newest attraction, consists of an upscale outlet mall, whose architecture echoes the brick and steel designs of the area’s original mills.
Bessemer also teems with historic sites and museums. The Bessemer Hall of History Museum, located in the well-preserved Southern Railway Depot, displays Civil War memorabilia, Native American Indian artifacts and an impressive variety of items from the region’s history. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park features the Alabama Iron and Steel Museum, a gift shop, numerous campsites and more than 1,500 scenic acres ideal for hiking or horseback riding. The West Jefferson County Historical Society operates the McAdory House, Owen Home and Sadler Home, which are among Bessemer’s pioneer homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition, the burgeoning downtown district of Bessemer features sixteen blocks with a listing on the National Register.
Bessemer features a locally run school system, with seven public schools operated independent of Jefferson County Schools. Three private K-12 private parochial schools are also available to local students. Lawson State Community College and Bessemer Technical College merged in 2005 to form a dynamic higher learning facility for the Bessemer community. Residents also have access to more than a dozen colleges and universities in the Greater Birmingham area, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Montevallo.
Bessemer, Alabama, once known as “The Marvel City”, continues its steady progression into a bright future. .
