Bessemer, Alabama is located in the heart of Jefferson County. The city lies at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is bordered by Red Mountain to the north, Shades Mountain to the south, and Valley Creek to the west. Bessemer has a total land area of around 25 square miles and its elevation is approximately 500 feet above sea level. According to findjobdescriptions, the city climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters with an average temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Bessemer experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year with an average precipitation of about 45 inches per year.
Bessemer’s topography consists mainly of rolling hills and flatlands. To the east lies Jones Valley, which is a large valley that runs through central Alabama. The city also contains several small lakes including Lake Mitchell and Lake Purdy which provide recreational activities such as fishing and swimming for locals throughout summer months. Furthermore, Bessemer has two major rivers running through it – Warrior River in the north and Locust Fork in the south – both providing great opportunities for kayaking and canoeing adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
History of Bessemer, Alabama
Bessemer, Alabama has a long and storied history. It was founded in 1887 as a planned community by Henry F. DeBardeleben, an industrialist who was looking to build an iron and steel manufacturing plant. The city quickly grew from a small village to a bustling industrial town as the DeBardeleben Iron & Steel Company flourished. During this time, Bessemer’s population quickly grew from just over 1,000 people to nearly 10,000 people in the mid-1890s.
The city’s economy continued to thrive until the Great Depression hit in the 1930s and caused many of the factories to close. However, during World War II and the 1950s, Bessemer saw a resurgence as new industries opened up such as US Steel’s Fairfield Works plant which employed thousands of locals.
In recent years, Bessemer’s economy has shifted away from its industrial past with many local businesses moving away or closing down due to competition from larger cities and suburbs nearby. However, despite this shift, Bessemer still remains an important center for commerce within Jefferson County with several large employers still operating within the city limits such as Amazon’s warehouse fulfillment center and UAB Medical West hospital located at McAdory Industrial Park.
Economy of Bessemer, Alabama
Bessemer, Alabama has a diverse economy that has evolved over the years. The city’s earliest roots are in the iron and steel industry and many of the factories that were built during this time still remain today. However, in recent years, Bessemer’s economy has shifted away from its manufacturing base with many local businesses moving away or closing down due to competition from larger cities and suburbs nearby.
Today, Bessemer is home to several large employers such as Amazon’s warehouse fulfillment center and UAB Medical West hospital located at McAdory Industrial Park. Additionally, many small businesses have opened up in the city providing goods and services for locals such as restaurants, retail stores, auto repair shops, and more.
The city also benefits from its close proximity to Birmingham which provides many employment opportunities for locals who commute to the larger city for work. Furthermore, Bessemer is home to several educational institutions such as Lawson State Community College which provides students with access to higher education opportunities.
Overall, Bessemer’s economy is growing steadily with new businesses opening up each year providing employment opportunities for locals while allowing them to remain close to home. With its diverse range of industries and growing job market, Bessemer is an ideal place for those looking for a great place to live and work.
Politics in Bessemer, Alabama
Bessemer, Alabama is part of Jefferson County which is governed by a county commission consisting of 5 members. The city has its own mayor and city council, with the mayor being elected every 4 years and the council members being elected to 4 year terms.
The city’s politics are dominated by a mix of Democrats and Republicans with the majority of residents leaning towards the Democratic Party. In recent years, Bessemer has seen an increase in political involvement from its citizens with many people taking part in local elections and voicing their opinions on matters that affect their community.
Bessemer is home to several advocacy organizations such as the Bessemer Action Committee which works to improve local conditions for residents. Furthermore, many locals have become politically active in state-level issues such as education reform, health care access, criminal justice reform, and more.
Overall, Bessemer’s politics are largely driven by local issues that impact its citizens on a daily basis. With an increasing number of locals becoming involved in politics, it is likely that this trend will continue in the years to come as people seek to make their voices heard on matters that affect them directly.