The Magic City

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The Magic City is the primary nickname for Birmingham. It comes from the city's amazing growth, both in its earliest days, and again at the turn of the 20th century when the city's downtown area developed from a collection of small houses and businesses to one of the most impressive downtown areas in the country.

The first known use of the term was penned by James R. Powell, president of the Elyton Land Company in his 1873 annual report to shareholders. Noting the status of the two-year-old city with 4,000 residents, hundreds of houses and stores, six churches and four hotels, he called Birmingham "this magic little city of ours."

In 1926, a large electric sign was erected outside Birmingham Terminal Station saying, "Welcome to Birmingham, The Magic City." The name is also used for numerous businesses and some events in the city, such as the Magic City Classic, Magic City Art Connection and Magic City Flickr Group.

Birmingham is not the only city that has been known by this nickname. Others include Miami, Florida; Billings, Montana; Miami, Florida, and Roanoke, Viriginia.

References

  • "Magic City." (November 5, 2006). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Accessed December 15, 2006 [1].
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