1996

1996 was the 125th year after the founding of the City of Birmingham.

[edit] Events

January 1: West End Masonic Temple fire
April 11: Compass Bank acquired Equitable Bankshares of Dallas, Texas
April 19: Compass Bank acquired Post Oak Bank of Houston, Texas
July 1-September 1: The First Emperor: Treasures from Ancient China exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art
August 14: Clay-Chalkville High School opened
August 23: Compass Bank acquired CFB Bancorp of Jacksonville, Florida
September 1: ABC 33/40 went on the air and WBRC became Birmingham's FOX affiliate.
October 24: President Bill Clinton spoke at Birmingham-Southern College
October: Hibbett Sporting Goods went public
Torchmark Corporation acquired United American of McKinney, Texas.
Cohen Carnaggio Reynolds was founded
Lonnie Holley was the 1996 "Distinguished Artist" from the Magic City Art Connection
Wes Chapman was hired as director of the Alabama Ballet.

April 20: Terrell Owens was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as the 89th overall pick
May: John Bland won the Bruno's Memorial Classic
June 4: Josh Hancock was selected in the 3rd round of the MLB draft.
June 12: The Barons defeated the Memphis Chicks 3-2 in the inaugural Rickwood Classic.
July: 1996 Olympic soccer games at Legion Field.
Murry Bartow was hired as UAB men's basketball head coach.

A proposal to convert the City Federal Building into the "Renaissance Apartments" was put forth, but came to naught.

Lonnie Holley was the 1996 "Distinguished Artist" from the Magic City Art Connection
Dan Holliman was named 1996 Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Alabama Wildlife Federation
Roy Wood, Jr graduated from Ramsay High School
Vivian Malone Jones was presented with the inaugural "Lurleen B. Wallace Award of Courage".
John Godbold won the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award.