Anna Across America - Birmingham (Sweet Home Alabama)

The next stop on the Anna / Dr Pepper tribute tour is Birmingham, Alabama.  Founded in 1871, Birmingham was a key city in the reconstruction of the South after the Civil War.   It became a major industrial center for the region in iron and steel production, earning the well deserved nickname, "The Pittsburgh of the South".  Today, the city's economy is also bolstered by banking and finance and health care research at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

At left, the Vulcan Statue stands watch over Birmingham and honors the city's roots in the iron and steel industry.   The statue of Vulcan - the mythical god of fire and forge - was created for Birmingham's entry at the 1904 World's Fair (yes, the same World's Fair where Dr Pepper was first introduced to a worldwide audience).

The majestic Vulcan - the largest cast-iron statue in the world - is 56 feet tall and supported by a 126 foot pedestal on Red Mountain.

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Historic buildings housing a former Dr. Pepper syrup plant have been brought back to life as part of Birmingham's urban renewal efforts.   Located southeast of downtown, Pepper Place encompasses a number of buildings anchored by the former Dr Pepper plant.  Within the complex are furniture showrooms, a photography studio, architecture and design firms, restuarants, shops and a small community theater.  A popular farmer's market takes residence on the site between April and December.