Birmingham, Alabama is within both parts of Jefferson County and Shelby County. It was founded during 1871. It was primarily planned to be an industrial city based on steel production. However, Birmingham also became a medical research center as well.

 

Among its famous people are Dr. Richard Arrington, Charles Barkley, Nell Carter, Louise Fletcher, Emmylou Harris, Bo Jackson, Carl Lewis, Willie Mays, Wayne Rogers, John R. Taylor, Sonia Sanchez and Al Worthington.

 

Birmingham was mentioned in the works of Randy Newman, Tracy Lawrence, Blackhawk, Pirates of the Mississippi, Charlie Daniels, Duke Ellington and Leadbelly.