Alabama became the 22nd state to join the Union on December 14, 1819. The state’s first two senators, William R. King and John Walker, took office on that day. Alabama’s longest-serving senators include John Sparkman (1946–1979), Lister Hill (1938–1969), and Richard Shelby (1987–2023). Among those who rose to leadership positions are William R. King and Benjamin Fitzpatrick, who …
https://www.senate.gov/states/AL/intro.htm