1887Government
The mayor and councilmen voted to incorporate the city of Bessemer on September 9, 1887.
1890History
Given the iron ore, coal and limestone deposits in the area, the city became a center of steelmaking from about 1890 through the 20th century.
1900Government
== Economy ==
In 1900, Bessemer ranked eighth in the population in Alabama, second in the amount of capital invested in manufacturing, and fourth in the value of its manufactur...
1911Economy
By 1911, ore mining, iron smelting, and the manufacture of iron and coke were the chief industries of Bessemer.
1970History
Bessemer has lost population since a peak population in 1970.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
As of the 2000 census, there were 29,672 people, 11,537 households, and 7,868 families residing in the city.
2005Education
The two schools merged in 2005 as a cost-saving measure.
2006Infrastructure
By 2006, the companies listed above had consolidated into CSX Transportation, which has lines to Birmingham and Brookwood, and the Norfolk Southern Railway, with lines to Birmin...
2010History
=== 2010 census ===
As of the 2010 census, there were 27,456 people, 10,711 households, and _ families residing in the city.
2012Architecture
In 2012, BLOX LLC (bloxbuilt.com) a manufacturer of modular components for healthcare facilities moved into this facility.
2016Government
As of 2016, Kenneth Gulley is mayor, a position elected at-large.
2018Economy
In June 2018, Amazon announced that it would build a new 800,000 square feet (74,000 m2), $325 million fulfillment center in Bessemer, which will initially create 1,500 new jobs.
2019History
By 2019, Bessemer was named Alabama’s “Worst City to Live in.”
In 2019, it was named Alabama's "Worst City to Live in" by 24/7 Wall Street.
2020History
=== 2020 census ===
As of the 2020 census, there were 26,019 people, 10,628 households, and 6,536 families residing in the city.
2023History
== Demographics ==
As of the 2023 American Community Survey, there are 10,598 estimated households in Bessemer with an average of 2.36 persons per household.