Where is Alabama Located in the United States?

Alabama, often referred to as the “Heart of Dixie,” is located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by four states: Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama also has access to the Gulf of Mexico through its southern coastline. The state has a rich cultural heritage and varied geography, from mountains to coastal plains. Alabama’s postal abbreviation is AL. As of the most recent census, Alabama has a population of approximately 5.1 million people. It spans an area of 52,420 square miles, making it the 30th largest state in the U.S. The capital city is Montgomery, while the largest city is Birmingham. Alabama was admitted to the Union in 1819, making it the 22nd state. It falls under two time zones: Central Time Zone (CT) for the majority of the state and a small portion in the Eastern Time Zone (ET).

Bordering States

Tennessee

To the north, Alabama shares a border with Tennessee. Tennessee is known for its diverse geography, from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River plains in the west. It has a significant impact on Alabama’s northern economy and culture, with major cities like Nashville located not too far from the Alabama-Tennessee border. The border region has numerous historical connections, particularly due to Civil War activities and the shared agricultural industries, such as cotton farming.

Georgia

On Alabama’s eastern side lies Georgia. Georgia is one of the largest states in the Southeast and home to the vibrant metropolis of Atlanta. The Alabama-Georgia border is formed by the Chattahoochee River in parts. Culturally and economically, Georgia influences eastern Alabama, especially in areas like Phenix City, which is part of the greater Columbus, Georgia, metropolitan area. Georgia’s diverse landscape, ranging from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plains, mirrors parts of Alabama’s own geography.

Florida

To the south, Alabama shares a small border with the state of Florida, particularly near its Panhandle region. The Gulf Coast area is a significant aspect of this border, where Alabama enjoys a short but valuable coastline that supports tourism and fishing industries. The proximity to Florida’s northern regions has a direct impact on southern Alabama, particularly in terms of tourism and agriculture. The warm coastal waters contribute to Alabama’s vibrant beach communities like Gulf Shores.

Mississippi

West of Alabama is Mississippi, another southern state with deep historical and cultural ties to Alabama. Mississippi and Alabama share much in terms of their Civil War history, agricultural base (especially cotton), and Southern cultural traditions. The border is primarily rural, with the Tombigbee River serving as a partial natural boundary. These neighboring states are often grouped together in discussions about the Deep South and share similar climates, topographies, and economic challenges.

GPS Coordinates

Alabama is geographically positioned between 30°11′ N and 35° N latitude and 84°53′ W and 88°28′ W longitude. This places the state in the southeastern quadrant of the United States. The northernmost point is near the Tennessee border, while the southernmost point touches the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama’s central position in the southeastern U.S. contributes to its mild, subtropical climate and the diverse ecosystems ranging from the Appalachian foothills in the north to the coastal plains in the south.

The state’s GPS coordinates define its rectangular shape and influence various aspects of its geography and weather. For example, Alabama’s southern latitude and Gulf proximity mean that it experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Tornadoes and hurricanes are common due to this positioning, as warm Gulf air clashes with cooler northern fronts. This GPS positioning also makes Alabama a key player in the agriculture of the southeastern U.S., particularly for crops like cotton and peanuts.

Alabama’s coordinates place it within a climate zone that experiences four distinct seasons, though winters tend to be mild. The state’s position relative to the Equator contributes to its long growing seasons, making it an agricultural hub. It is also relatively close to the East Coast, which influences its economic and transportation networks.

Levels of Elevation

Alabama features a range of elevations, from low-lying coastal plains to mountainous regions in the north. The state’s highest point is Cheaha Mountain, which stands at 2,413 feet (735 meters) above sea level, located in the Talladega National Forest in the northeastern part of the state. Cheaha is part of the southernmost portion of the Appalachian Mountains, which influence the state’s northern geography.

In contrast, the lowest elevation point is at sea level along the Gulf of Mexico in Baldwin County. The coastal plains dominate the southern portion of the state, where flat lands and swamps lead directly to the coastline. This variation in elevation leads to diverse ecosystems and climates within the state, affecting agriculture, wildlife, and weather patterns.

Central Alabama is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging between 300 and 600 feet. The central region forms part of the Appalachian foothills and has fertile lands that support much of the state’s agriculture. This mid-range elevation also sees significant forested areas, making Alabama rich in biodiversity.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Alabama’s geography also includes several extreme points:

• Easternmost point: The easternmost point of Alabama is located near the city of Phenix City, along the Chattahoochee River, which forms the border with Georgia. Phenix City is part of the Columbus, Georgia, metropolitan area and has historical significance in the Civil War.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point is near Waterloo, a small town in Lauderdale County, near the Tennessee River. This area is close to the Mississippi state line and known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the river, which plays a key role in the region’s economy.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Alabama is located in Fort Morgan, a historic site at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Fort Morgan was a key location in the Civil War and remains a popular tourist destination. The southern tip of Alabama extends to the Gulf of Mexico, which influences much of the state’s economy through tourism and fishing industries.
• Northernmost point: The northernmost point of Alabama is near the town of Bridgeport, located in Jackson County along the Tennessee border. This small town is in the Appalachian foothills and close to the Tennessee River, providing picturesque mountain and river views.

Major Mountains

Alabama’s mountainous regions are mostly found in the northern part of the state, where the southern Appalachians dominate. Cheaha Mountain is the highest peak in the state and is part of the Talladega Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. This mountain is part of the Cheaha State Park and offers stunning views of the surrounding forested area.

The Talladega Mountains themselves are notable for their scenic beauty and rugged terrain. They stretch across east-central Alabama, offering outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, camping, and mountain biking. The range is characterized by steep slopes and ridges, and its forested areas are part of the Talladega National Forest.

Another key mountain range in Alabama is the Cumberland Plateau, found in the northeastern part of the state. This region, which includes areas like Lookout Mountain, provides a mix of cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Lookout Mountain is famous for its stunning views and tourist attractions, like Noccalula Falls and DeSoto State Park.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Alabama’s extensive network of rivers and lakes plays a vital role in its geography and economy. The Alabama River, one of the state’s most important rivers, runs through the heart of the state, starting in central Alabama and flowing southward to join the Mobile River. The Alabama River is critical for transportation, recreation, and irrigation.

Another significant river is the Tennessee River, which cuts across the northern part of Alabama. The river is part of the Tennessee Valley and plays a crucial role in Alabama’s industry and power generation, with several dams and reservoirs along its course.

The Chattahoochee River forms much of the eastern border with Georgia. It is a key water source for both states and is important for agriculture, industry, and recreation. Lake Eufaula, formed by the damming of the Chattahoochee, is a popular fishing and boating destination.

Among Alabama’s largest lakes is Lake Guntersville, which is part of the Tennessee River system and one of the state’s most popular recreational spots. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Lake Martin, located in central Alabama, is another large reservoir known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings.

Alabama also features the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, one of the most biodiverse river systems in the U.S. The delta is formed by the confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers and empties into Mobile Bay, creating a vast network of swamps, marshes, and waterways.