Bessemer, Alabama 2025

Bessemer is a city located in Jefferson County, Alabama, United States. According to the 2020 United States Census, the city population was 26,310.

Bessemer was founded in 1887 by the Bessemer Land and Improvement Company, owned by Henry F. DeBardeleben, after whom the city' #8217;s main street, DeBardeleben Avenue, is named. The city was planned on a gridiron street pattern with eight avenues running east and west and eight streets running north and south, with the city' #8217;s streets intersecting at right angles. Bessemer was incorporated as a city on September 9, 1892.

In the 2010 United States Census, the population of Bessemer was 27,456 people, down from 29,670 people in the 2000 census.

Bessemer has humid subtropical climate with mild, balmy winters and hot, humid summers. Winters are mild with average low temperatures around 37F and highs around 56F. Summers are hot and muggy with average lows at 71F and highs at 90F.

Since 1949, Bessemer has been home to the Bessemer Hall of History, a museum dedicated to local history. The museum features photographs and memorabilia on the history of the city and its residents. A new addition to the Hall of History is the Exhibit Hall, which showcases Bessemer' #8217;s steel industry history.

Bessemer is governed by a mayor-council system, with the mayor and council president serving four-year terms. Bessemer also has a city council with five council members elected from single-member districts.

Bessemer is part of the Birmingham-Hoover-Shelby Interurban Railroad. Interstate 459 runs north and south through Bessemer, and Interstate 59 runs along the city #8217;s eastern edge. The Kansas City - Southern Railroad serves Bessemer.

Public education in Bessemer is provided by the Bessemer City Schools. There are four high schools in Bessemer: Bessemer City High School, Bessemer Academy, Glen Oaks Christian Academy, and New Life Christian School.

The city has a lively cultural scene. Music is an important part of Bessemer's culture, with artists like Gus Cannon, Bo Diddley and Tammy Wynette having ties to the city.

Special Events:

Every year, Bessemer holds the Bessemer Cities Festival, a four-day event held in August that includes live music, food vendors, rides, and a beauty pageant. In 2018, the event's 17th year, more than 25,000 people attended.

Local Attractions:

Red Mountain Park

Bessemer Hall of History

Bill N' Mo's BBQ

Food:

Bessemer is situated in the heart of the BBQ region, and barbecue is an important part of the city's culinary scene. Some popular barbeque restaurants include Bill N' Mo's BBQ, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, and Slaughterhouse Five. Barbecue isn't the only cuisine that Bessemer has to offer. El Tule Restaurant serves a flavorful mix of Mexican and Korean cuisine.

People:

Some notable people who have called Bessemer home are:

* Jason B. Sadler - politician

* Donnie F. Gates - politician

* Mac Thrower - professional football player

* James "Bubba" Stephenson - football player

History:

Bessemer was founded in 1887 by the Bessemer Land and Improvement Company, owned by Henry F. DeBardeleben. The city was planned with eight avenues running east and west and eight streets running north and south, with the streets intersecting at right angles. The city was incorporated on September 9, 1892.

During the first decades of the 20th century, thousands of African Americans left the South through the Great Migration, seeking better opportunities outside of the segregated and oppressive Jim Crow era culture. During the steel boom of the early 20th century, many migrated from rural Alabama and other rural areas to work in the steel mills of Bessemer and Birmingham.

A major player in the early 20th century steel industry, Bessemer has a unique industrial history. The city is home to the Tannehill-Snider Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 23, 1976. The historic district contains some of the oldest remaining buildings in Jefferson County.