THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MOBILE

Mobile, Alabama is a vast cultural mecca sitting on one of the most beautiful coasts in the world. There is constantly something going on around the city and in Mobile County. It’s home to the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, has easy access to Gulf beaches and every inch of the city brims with history. But even those who live here all their lives can still find out something new about their beloved home. In a city so diverse there are constantly new things to learn. Courtesy of Mobile Bay Local, here are four things you didn’t know about Mobile.

1. It has some of the cleanest water in the country.
   1. According to a study by Forbes specifically—and others that have found corresponding results—the Mobile metropolitan area has extremely clean water compared to the rest of the country. While many metro areas abide by the EPA standards, there are still contaminants that are carcinogenic or ladled with lead. A recent local news story found a rare spike of lead in Mobile’s water but for the most part the city is one of the best in keeping their contingents in clean water. This is because Mobile is one of the few places that takes part in a federal clean water filtration system. So if you’re conscious of only intaking clean filtered water and you live in Mobile, then don’t worry about getting your daily 8 glasses of water straight from the tap.
2. It’s one of only two jubilee’s in the world.
   1. The natural phenomenon that has made Mobile Bay famous, the jubilee, is shared globally only with Tokyo Bay in Japan. It occurs only when a specific set of conditions can be met; when an eastern wind and cloudy day pushes salt water over fresh water causing a lack of oxygen in the water. This in turn brings fish to the surface and you can essentially scoop up with a net. It creates a fisherman’s paradise and if you want to participate in North America, you’ll have to visit Mobile.
3. It’s home to a booming naval defense industry.
   1. With the arrival of Austal, Mobile became the American home base for some of the largest naval defense contracts in the world. The Australian founded company uses Mobile Bay to build naval ships for several world powers including the United States. Next time you’re driving down the Causeway, look up at the ship crates to see the names of all the countries Austal—and Mobile—are currently serving.
4. Mobile boasts some of the best names in baseball.
   1. When driving around Mobile, one could find himself or herself on Hank Aaron Loop or Boiling Brothers Drive. The Port City has produced some of the most successful and famous names in Major League Baseball over the years. Hammerin’ Hank is obviously and deservedly the most famous but he is joined by others such as Ozzie Smith (the acrobatic infielder), Satchel Paige who helped get the sport started professionally, and Jake Peavey who pitched his way into World Series fame. Last but not least, Turner Ward parlayed a playing career into a coaching career that is still going strong as the hitting coach for current World Series contenders the L.A. Dodgers.

Mobile has flown under six flags throughout its history, giving it a robust past. But the Azalea City is forming an exciting future as well, carving its place into America in many different ways. There will always be more to learn about our home city and hopefully the curiosity is fed with these four things you didn’t know about Mobile from Mobile Bay Local.

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