Mobile, Alabama
City Information
Explore key details about this state’s history and identity.
Mobile, Alabama, is a historic port city located on the Gulf Coast, known for its vibrant culture, deep history, and Southern charm. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Mobile offers a rich blend of historical significance, modern attractions, and natural beauty, making it a desirable place to live and visit. Below is a detailed description of the city, incorporating the specified bullet points.
Mobile was founded by French settlers in 1702 and incorporated as a city in 1814, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. Its rich history, shaped by French, Spanish, British, and American influences, is evident in the city’s architecture, traditions, and culture.
As of the latest estimates, Mobile has a population of approximately 185,000 people. It is the fourth-largest city in Alabama and continues to serve as a key economic, cultural, and industrial hub along the Gulf Coast.
Mobile sits at a relatively low elevation of around 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level. Its location near the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay provides the city with access to waterways and scenic coastal views, making it an important port and shipping center.
Mobile experiences a humid subtropical climate, which includes hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often reach highs around 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures range from 40°F (4°C) to 60°F (15°C). The city receives substantial rainfall, averaging around 66 inches per year, and it is occasionally affected by tropical storms and hurricanes due to its coastal location.
Mobile is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Some of the city’s main attractions include:
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park: A popular destination where visitors can tour the WWII-
era battleship USS Alabama, as well as other historic military aircraft and vessels.
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum: An interactive museum that celebrates Mobile’s maritime heritage and the history of the Gulf of Mexico.
Mobile Carnival Museum: Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, and this museum showcases the colorful history and traditions of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home: A beautiful 65-acre estate featuring vibrant gardens and the historic Bellingrath home, open to visitors year-round.
Mobile operates under a mayor-council form of government. The mayor, elected by the city’s residents, serves as the city’s chief executive officer, while the city council is made up of seven members representing different districts. Together, the mayor and council work to manage city policies, services, and growth.
Mobile City Hall is located at 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602. The building serves as the central hub for the city’s administrative functions, where residents can access services, attend council meetings, and engage with local government officials.
Mobile’s emergency services are well-equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. Key contact information includes:
Police Department (Non-Emergency): (251) 208-7211
Fire and Rescue Services: (251) 208-7351
Utilities in Mobile, such as water, gas, and electricity, are provided by various service providers. Important utility contact numbers include:
Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS): (251) 694-3100
Alabama Power: (800) 245-2244
Waste Management Services: (251) 208-4100
Public transportation in Mobile is provided by The Wave Transit System, offering bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas. For more information, contact:
Wave Transit Customer Service: (251) 344-6600
Kids Activities
A hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a wide range of educational programs for children. (251) 208-6893
The museum offers art programs for children and families, with exhibits that encourage creativity and exploration. (251) 208-5200
A large public park that includes playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, providing an ideal space for outdoor fun and activities for children. (251) 208-1650
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