Each U.S. state has borne witness to an important historical event that has shaped its history — for better or worse. In many cases, the event has had implications beyond that state’s borders, with profound consequences for the nation and, in some cases, the world.
These events include political changes, armed conflict, legal rulings, tragedies, cultural shifts, economic upheavals, ecological episodes, and scientific breakthroughs. But all of them changed the destiny of a particular state.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed state historical information, research sources, and media reports of significant events throughout U.S. history to determine the most important event in the history of each state.
Click here to see the most important historical event in every state.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.
Source: Abernathy Family Photos / Wikimedia Commons
1. Alabama
> Event: Selma-to-Montgomery march
> Year: 1965
> Location: Selma to Montgomery
The march from Selma to Montgomery was an effort to register African American voters in Alabama. Early during the 54-mile trek, marchers were attacked by local police and those opposed to equal voting rights. The incident was broadcast on television and it horrified the nation. Eventually, the marchers received protection from the National Guard, and after three days they reached Montgomery. That August, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act that guaranteed the vote for African Americans.
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