Here is a comprehensive summary of the Wikipedia article about Tuscaloosa:

Tuscaloosa, located in west-central Alabama on the Black Warrior River, is a vibrant city known as "the Druid City" due to its numerous downtown water oaks. Incorporated on December 13, 1819, the city was named after Chief Tuskaloosa, a "Black Warrior" chieftain defeated by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540. It served as Alabama's state capital from 1826 until 1846, before the capital moved to Montgomery.

With a 2020 population of nearly 100,000, Tuscaloosa is a significant regional center for industry, commerce, healthcare, and education. The city's economic and cultural life is largely dominated by the University of Alabama, though it also gained international attention when Mercedes-Benz opened its first North American automotive assembly plant there in 1993. Tuscaloosa proudly embraces the moniker "The City of Champions," reflecting the Alabama Crimson Tide football team's numerous national championship victories.