Tuscaloosa bicentennial kicks off with quilt display

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - The bicentennial celebration kicked off Thursday evening with a special quilt highlighting the history of Tuscaloosa's all four corners along the Black Warrior River.

A book was written to help chronicle 200 years of history. Fourth graders will soon read a smaller version of the book.

A large crowd gathered to watch an 11 minute documentary of the city’s history as well. Tuscaloosa has a history that even predates the state, according to organizers of the year long remembrance.

“The City of Tuscaloosa was created one day before the state of Alabama. To the extent that Tuscaloosa’s history is Alabama’s history, then all our events celebrating Tuscaloosa’s bicentennial are also honoring Alabama’s bicentennial,” said Cathy Randall, co-chair of the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission.

“A great city. I’m so proud of my hometown and what we were able to accomplish. You know, the year of 200, from Chief Tuscaloosa to Walt Maddox, what great leaders we had for this city,” said Harrison Taylor, co-chair of the Tuscaloosa Bicentennial Commission.

Bicentennial Bash is March 30 at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The Commodores, among other big name acts, are scheduled to perform to the public for free.

Tuscaloosa was incorporated on December 13, 1819.