At the turn of the 20th Century, Mobile’s population increased from about 40,000 in 1900 to 60,000 by 1920. The city received $3 million in federal grants during this time to deepen the shipping channels in the harbor. In the years following World War I, manufacturing became increasingly crucial to Mobile’s economy, especially shipbuilding and steel production. City officials in Mobile passed their first segregation ordinance in 1902, which segregated the city’s streetcars. The African American community in Mobile responded to this with a two-month boycott that ultimately failed. Eventually, Mobile’s de facto segregation would be replaced with legislated segregation. In 1911, the city adopted the commission form of government and expanded streetcar and telephone service. Nevertheless, the war hampered progress once again. When World War I erupted in Europe, trade vessels were recalled for military service, causing the port to stagnate.
The industrial sector also boosted the economy of Mobile at the beginning of the 1900s. Mobile was a major port, shipbuilding and repair center during World Wars I and II. The city remains a center for shipping, shipbuilding, and ship repair.
Here are some stunning historical photos that show Mobile, Alabama, at the turn of the 20th Century.
