Alabama Power Foundation
celebrates 25th
A
alabama powEr company went
through some tough financial times
in its early years when it was build-
ing a power generation and trans-
mission system for central Alabama.
Completing the most powerful
steam plant in Alabama at Gads-
den in 1913 and Lay Dam on the
Coosa River in 1914 and building
transmission lines and a distribu-
tion network were the first steps in
developing a company that would
provide Alabama with reliable and
affordable electricity that
would power the engines
of industry.
This system soon
connected the industrial
heartland of the state and marked
the beginning of Alabama's move
away from a mostly agricultural
economy to a growing industrial
base. During the development of
this electric system,
Alabama Power often
was close to the brink
of insolvency, staying
on course only by the
indomitable determination of its
leaders, especially James Mitchell
2
As the company grew stronger it led philanthropic efforts in the state,
leading to the creation of the foundation in 1989.
STORy By LEAH RAwLS ATkInS
The Birmingham
Civil Rights Institute
opened in 1992.
