Alabama Territory

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The Territory of Alabama (sometimes Alabama Territory1) was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 15, 1817, until December 14, 1819, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Alabama

History

Although the Alabama Territory was designated by an Act of Congress on March 3, 1817, it did not become effective until 5 months later on August 15, 1817. The delay was due to a provision in the Congressional Act which stated that the Act would take effect only if and when Mississippi formed a State Constitution. That event took place on August 15, 1817, with Mississippi Territory becoming the State of Mississippi on December 10, 1817.

Located in the central area of the Alabama Territory, St. Stephens, on the Tombigbee River, was the only territorial capital. William Wyatt Bibb was the only territorial governor.

On December 14, 1819, two years and four months after the Alabama Territory was created, Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state, with William Wyatt Bibb also becoming the first state governor (1819–1820).

Notes

1. The name "Territory of Alabama" was often used in the time period, rather than "Alabama Territory".

References

  1. "An 1820 Claim to Congress: Alabama Territory : 1817", The Intruders, TNGenNet Inc., 2001, quick webpage: TN-537.
  2. "Timeline 1811-1820" (events +sources), Algis Ratnikas, Timelines of History, 2007, webpage: TL-Miss.
  3. "Statehood Dates", 50states.com, 1998/2009, webpage: 50s-statehood.