Alabama does not have an official nickname, although it has been called The Yellowhammer State since the civil war when a company of Alabama soldiers wore uniforms trimmed with yellow cloth and were nicknamed Yellowhammers. "Yellowhammer" is the common name given to the Northern flicker woodpecker (also the state bird of Alabama) because of the bright yellow feathers beneath its wings and tail.

The Cotton State

Alabama is also called The Cotton State (Alabama is centrally located in the cotton belt and cotton production was a major influence in the growth and culture of the state).

The Heart of Dixie

Probably the most familiar nickname for Alabama is The Heart of Dixie (originally because Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederate States during the Civil War). See Nicknames for all 50 states.

Stars Fell on Alabama - a book by Carl Carmer