The Name

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The state of Alabama was named after the river. The Alabama River was named by European explorers after an Indian tribe that lived in the territory. The name first appeared as “Alibamu” in 1540 as well as “Alibamo” and “Limamua.” The origin of the name is said to come from two Choctaw words, “alba” meaning vegetation, and “amo” meaning gatherer. “Vegetation gatherers” is a good description for the Indians who cleared much of the land in Alabama for agricultural purposes.

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Related Alabama - Overview and History Articles

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• Alabama - Overview and History
• The Name
• Nicknames
• The Longest State Constitution in the U. S.
• Early History & Statehood
• Civil War & Reconstruction
• Industrialization
• Integration & Present-day Alabama