By: Joey Blackwell
At the end of the 19th century, more than 90% of Alabama had no access to electricity, with people still lighting their homes with candles or kerosene lanterns and most of the cooking still taking place over wooden stoves. However, on Dec. 4, 1906, the trajectory of the state changed forever with the founding of Alabama Power.
Founded by the company’s first president, William Patrick Lay, alongside James Mitchell and Thomas W. Martin, the company’s first steam plant opened in 1913 in Gadsden, followed the next year by its first hydroelectric dam in 1914. From there, the use of electricity in Alabama homes spread rapidly as the company developed its infrastructure.
Alabama Power’s Art Deco building in downtown Birmingham opened in 1925, symbolizing not just the growth of the company, but also the rapid development of the state. Built entirely out of materials from Alabama, the building commemorated not just the state’s past, but also its bright future that was destined to be filled with progress.
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Alabama News Center tels the stories of the people and businesses powering the states of Alabama, striving to make Alabama a wonderful place to live and work.
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