The
City of Tuscaloosa is built along the Black Warrior River. This
area has been inhabited by humans since 1580. Several different
native tribes had occupied the area until the creation of the town
in 1816. The name Tuscaloosa is a combination of two Choctaw Indian
words, tushka-meaning warrior and lusa-meaning black. With this
small gesture, the settlers felt they where honoring the history
of the region. The town of Tuscaloosa was officially incorporated
by the territorial legislature on December 13, 1819. Alabama was
accepted as a state the next day.
Tuscaloosa is
home to the Alabama State University (ASU). During the Civil War
it was used as a military school. After the war the university was
converted into an educational facility for freed black slaves. Today
ASU has a diverse student population as well as a wide array of
educational courses to choose from.
The city is
surrounded by nature at its best. Visitors to Tuscaloosa will find
plenty of hiking, fishing and exploring in the nearby canyons and
lakes. Sports nuts will enjoy all of the different college sports
venues at the many universities and colleges in the area. There
are several museums and historic sites that will intrigue history
buffs and art lovers. Everyone will enjoy the small town atmosphere
of Tuscaloosa as well as that ever famous "southern hospitality."
