Explore Bessemer, Alabama, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Bessemer |
| State | Alabama (AL) |
| County | Jefferson County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Central Time (America/Chicago) |
| Latitude | 33.370858 |
| Longitude | -86.971522 |
| Population | 26,019 |
| Density | 249.1 /km² |
| Incorporated | Yes |
| ZIP Codes | 35020, 35022, 35021, 35023 |
| Area Code | 205, 256 |
| County Seat | Birmingham |
| School District | Bessemer City School District |
Bessemer occupies a landscape defined by the heavy, iron-rich earth that has long shaped its identity. It lies 4.2 miles southeast of Hueytown, AL (from Hueytown, AL: bearing 145°T), and is situated 8.3 miles west of Hoover. West Red Mountain rises three miles away, casting long, purple-hued shadows that stretch across the residential streets as the afternoon sun begins to wane. To the west, the gentle depression of Opossum Valley provides a quiet contrast to the rugged, red-clay ridges that characterize the regional terrain. A nearby stream meanders through the outskirts, its waters reflecting the dense canopy of hardwoods that characterize the local woodland. The air here carries a persistent, humid weight, often perfumed by the scent of damp soil and the deep, resinous presence of longleaf pines.
Bessemer emerged from the ambitions of the industrial age, drawing its vitality from the vast deposits of coal and iron ore buried deep beneath the surface. The early founders recognized the potential for massive production, turning the region into a central hub for the manufacturing of rail cars and heavy steel goods. For generations, the rhythm of life in Bessemer followed the steady, rhythmic pulse of the furnaces and the clatter of heavy industry. While the economic landscape has shifted in modern times, the remnants of these grand brick structures remain as silent observers of a once-booming era. The local economy now balances its industrial heritage with a diverse array of modern service and logistics ventures, reflecting a resilient transition through the decades.
Bessemer fosters a cultural character defined by a profound sense of endurance and a quiet, unpretentious hospitality. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary that provides a surprising pocket of biodiversity just two miles from the main thoroughfare. The town has been shaped by the voices of those who worked the mills, including figures like the legendary Bo Jackson, who carried the grit of his upbringing into a celebrated career in professional sports. Annual community festivals bring neighbors together under the heavy, warm air of late summer, celebrating the local spirit with music and food. Landmarks of historical significance stand firmly along the thoroughfares, offering a tangible connection to the past for any traveler who pauses to look.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Bessemer, Alabama. Coordinates: 33.370858, -86.971522. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Bessemer includes the ZIP code (35020, 35022, 35021), telephone area code (205, 256), county seat of Jefferson County (Birmingham), and school district assignment (Bessemer City School District).
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |