SJR 21

SJR21 189677-2 By Senators Allen and Orr RFD: Rules First Read: 16-JAN-18 SJR21 SJR21 ENROLLED, SJR21, RECOGNIZING TUSCALOOSA AS THE SECOND CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA. WHEREAS, located along the Black Warrior River, Tuscaloosa was a crucial trading site for Native Americans long before European settlers arrived in the region; and WHEREAS, Tuscaloosa was incorporated and made a county seat on December 13, 1819, one day before Alabama's admission as the 22nd state in the Union; and WHEREAS, following a successful relocation vote in December 1825, state government commenced in Tuscaloosa on November 20, 1826, meeting in temporary facilities until a new capitol designed by noted architect William Nichols was completed for the 1829-30 session; and WHEREAS, nine governors served the state from the capitol in Tuscaloosa through two decades of political change and economic challenges; and WHEREAS, on January 28, 1846, following a referendum in which Alabamians voted to allow for the relocation of the capital, the legislature chose Montgomery as the new seat of SJR21 government over contenders which included Wetumpka, Mobile, Selma, and Huntsville; and WHEREAS, Tuscaloosa has continued to serve as a vital hub for industry, commerce, and education; and WHEREAS, Alabama is currently engaged in a commemoration of the bicentennial of statehood, a three-year celebration of the people, places, and events that form our rich history; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That we do hereby recognize Tuscaloosa as the second capital of the State of Alabama. SJR21 President and Presiding Officer of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives SJR21 Senate 23-JAN-18 I hereby certify that the within Senate Joint Resolution originated in and was adopted by the Senate. Patrick Harris, Secretary. House of Representatives Adopted: 30-JAN-18 By: Senator Allen