Montgomery: The Heartbeat of Southern Heritage

• HelloHey y'all
  [Hey y'all]
• GoodbyeSee y'all later
  [See y'all later]
• YesYessir/Yessum
  [Yessir/Yessum]
• NoNah
  [Nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/Sugah
  [Please/Sugah]
• Thank youThank ya
  [Thank ya]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/I'm sorry
  [Pardon me/I'm sorry]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [How y'all doin'?]
• Fine. And you?I'm doin' well. How 'bout you?
  [I'm doin' well. How 'bout you?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
• I don't understandI don't reckon I understand
  [I don't reckon I understand]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [Can I see the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don't eat no meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'd like to pay now
  [I'd like to pay now]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Git away from me!
  [Git away from me!]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-leece!
  [Call the Po-leece!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI done got lost
  [I done got lost]
• I'm illI ain't feelin' right
  [I ain't feelin' right]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [I'm just lookin']
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [How much does it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [That's too pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya bring the price down?
  [Can ya bring the price down?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [What's the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYestiddy
  [Yestiddy]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [Tomorra]
• 1One
  [One]
• 2Two
  [Two]
• 3Three
  [Three]
• 4Four
  [Four]
• 5Five
  [Five]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Seven]
• 8Eight
  [Eight]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?
  [Can you show me on the map?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
  [When's the next bus?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...
  [A ticket to ...]

Montgomery was officially incorporated in 1819, named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The city was formed by merging two towns, New Philadelphia and East Alabama Town. Early settlers were primarily European-American farmers who capitalized on the fertile soil to cultivate cotton, which soon became the backbone of the local economy.

Montgomery was designated the capital of Alabama in 1846, due to its central location and burgeoning economy. The Alabama State Capitol building, completed in 1851, remains a striking example of Greek Revival architecture. The city's status as the capital attracted politicians, businessmen, and cultural figures, fostering rapid growth and development.

Montgomery holds a significant place in Civil War history as the first capital of the Confederate States of America. In February 1861, the Provisional Confederate Congress met at the Alabama State Capitol to draft the Confederate Constitution. Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the President of the Confederacy on the capitol steps, marking a pivotal moment in American history.

Montgomery was a crucial battleground in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks' arrest for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The boycott lasted over a year and resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. The city also played a key role in the Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965, which were instrumental in the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

Montgomery boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the world, calls Montgomery its home. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1930, houses an impressive collection of American art, Southern regional art, and decorative arts. The city’s history is also preserved in numerous historical sites and museums, such as the First White House of the Confederacy and the Civil Rights Memorial Center.

The economic landscape of Montgomery has evolved significantly over the years. Initially driven by agriculture, particularly cotton, the city transitioned to a more diversified economy. The Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, established in the early 20th century, has been a major economic and social influence. In recent years, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant, opened in 2005, has become a cornerstone of the local economy, highlighting Montgomery's shift towards manufacturing and high-tech industries.

Montgomery is home to several prominent educational institutions that have shaped its cultural and intellectual landscape. Alabama State University, founded in 1867 as a historically black university, and Auburn University at Montgomery, established in 1967, are key contributors to higher education in the city. These institutions not only provide education but also serve as centers for cultural events, research, and community engagement.

Montgomery is easily accessible by air, road, and rail. The Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) serves the city with several domestic flights. For those driving, Montgomery is connected via major highways including I-65 and I-85. Greyhound and Megabus provide intercity bus services, and Amtrak offers train services with the nearest station in Birmingham, about 90 miles away.

Getting around Montgomery can be done through various means. The Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS) operates public buses. Taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and rental cars are also available. Downtown Montgomery is quite walkable, and many tourist attractions are within close proximity.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. For smaller establishments and markets, carrying some cash is advisable.

Montgomery is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and remain aware of your surroundings. Areas like West Montgomery have higher crime rates, so it is best to avoid these neighborhoods after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Montgomery has several hospitals including Baptist Medical Center South and Jackson Hospital. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and according to the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting religious sites. Cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi'. A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Southern cuisine and be gracious if invited to someone's home. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Montgomery like a local, visit the Kress on Dexter, a historic building now housing shops and eateries. Take a stroll along the Riverfront Park and enjoy a riverboat cruise. Engage with locals at the Montgomery Curb Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Don’t miss the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice for a deep dive into the city’s history.