Birmingham

Birmingham, the capital of Jefferson county, Alabama, and the most important seat of the iron industry of the southern states, is situated at the junction of several railways, 95 miles NNW. of Montgomery, with numerous foundries, mills, factories, and machine-shops. The development of the iron interests of its immediate vicinity has caused a marvellous growth of the city. In 1880 its population was scarcely more than 3000, and its land of little value. In 1890 the aggregate value of its property was estimated at over £5,000,000, and its population was 26,178.