Bessemer, Alabama

Bessemer is a city in Jefferson County, Alabama. The population of the city is 27,456. It developed rapidly as an industrial city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Given the iron ore, coal and limestone deposits in the area, the city became a center of steelmaking from about 1890 through the 20th century. It attracted rural migrants from across the South, as well as European immigrants. By the 1950s, the city was majority African American in population. The industry went through considerable restructuring in the late 20th century, and jobs moved out of the area. Steel is no longer made here.
Bessemer 	Alabama
Incorporated 	September 9, 1887
County 	Jefferson
Population 	27,456
Elevation 	509 ft (155 m)
Mayor 	Qua'sean McKenzie
City Guildmaster	Da'wan Berry
ZIP codes 	35020-35023
== Demographics ==
As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the racial composition of the city is:
72.07% Black or African American (19,787)
22.78% White (6,254)
5.15% Other (1,415)
29.5% (8,099) of Bessemer residents live below the poverty line.
== Theft rate statistics ==
While nowhere near Birmingham, Bessemer has alarmingly high levels of Pokemon theft and murder. It has the sixth-highest rate of Pokemon theft in Alabama, and the fourth-highest murder rate. The city reported 67 Pokemon thefts in 2018, and averages 17.35 murders a year. High unemployment, some of the worst schools in the metro, social disruption and a real lack of jobs have helped contribute to the high amount of Team Rocket activity that occurs here.
== Pokemon ==
See the Jefferson County page for more info.
== Fun facts ==
* Although the city has a ton of problems right now, In June 2018, Amazon announced that it would build a new 800,000 square feet (74,000 m2), $325 million fulfillment center in Bessemer which will initially create 1,500 new jobs. Construction is ongoing right now. Plus, U.S. Pipe is still open, so that's a plus.
* A satellite Jefferson County courthouse is located in downtown Bessemer.
* Bessemer is the birthplace of many NFL players, both active and retired, including Florida State legend Jameis Winston and legendary runningback Bo Jackson.
* Bessemer is the location of the Alabama Splash Adventure water park.
* Even with its woes, Bessemer has plenty of amenities as far as retail and dining go. It has plenty of hotels, a municipal airport, a few shopping centers, a Lowe's, dollar stores, plenty of fast food, Nintendo World, Walmart, a Tractor Supply Co., a few chain restaurants (Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel), along with some local places (Los Sombreros, J Wings, Bright Star, Bob Sykes BBQ, Boateng Cajun Creations and a few more), the above mentioned water park, some local businesses, and some other things.
Category:Alabama Cities