general information

Tuscaloosa, located in West Central Alabama, was established along the Black Warrior River in 1819 and got its name from the Indian chief Tuskaloosa who defended these lands until his death. It is the fifth-largest city in Alabama, with an estimated population of 99,543 as of 2018.

Large companies such as Mercedes Benz, Michelin/BF Godrich, DCH Regional Medical Center, and Phifer Inc. are located in and around Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama, with more than 36,000 students, is just another one of the many aspects that make this city a great place to live. Tuscaloosa attracts a wide range of people from every corner of the world, from students and young professionals to families.

Tuscaloosa has traditionally been known as the "Druid City" because of the numerous water oaks planted in its downtown streets that have been around since the 1840s. The city has also become known across the country for the University of Alabama's success in sports, particularly in football. City leaders adopted the moniker "The City of Champions" after the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team won the BCS National Championship in 2009, 2011, and again in 2012. The Tide won the College Football Playoffs in 2015 and 2017.

These facts are just some of the reasons why Tuscaloosa has been named one of the "Most Livable City in America" and one of the "50 Best College Towns".

Tuscaloosa is also well known as "T-Town" and the slogan of the Tourism Website promises a lot more: Tuscaloosa - the One and Only!

For more tourist information, click here.

Northport is adjacent to Tuscaloosa and you can barely recognize the border between these two cities. Located on the Black Warrior River across from downtown Tuscaloosa, it is currently the 21st largest city in Alabama with an estimated population of 24,497 in 2013. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.9 square miles (39 km²), of which 14.6 square miles (38 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²) (1.48%) is water.

One of Northport's cultural activities is the Kentuck Festival of the Arts. Each October, artists gather at Kentuck Park to showcase their work. The festival celebrates folk and contemporary art as well as traditional crafts. Potters, quilters, and basket-makers offer educational craft demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Another tradition in Northport is Art Night, which is held on the first Thursday of each month. Many of Northport's art galleries open their doors after hours for this event, and art or craft demonstrations are offered. A bus system runs between downtown Northport and downtown Tuscaloosa in collaboration with Tuscaloosa's Art and Soul event.

Dickens Downtown is held the first Tuesday in December. This annual holiday event attracts participants to come and see the period setting of 19th-century England.

The Northport Heritage Museum houses a collection of artifacts and photographs that document the history and evolution of the city.