Tuscaloosa County is located in the west central part of Alabama. The county straddles the boundary between the Applalchian Highlands and the Gulf Coastal Plains and consequently boasts a diverse geography.Tuscaloosa County is named in honor of the Choctaw chief Tuskalusa,(which means Black Warrior in that language), who battled and was defeated by Hernando deSoto in 1540 in the Battle of Mauvila. Tuscaloosa is a growing, thriving community. Best known as the home of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is also the center of industry, commerce, healthcare and educationfor the region known as West Alabama. Tuscaloosa attracted international attention when what is now known as DaimlerChrysler announced it would build its first Mercedes-Benz automotive plant in Tuscaloosa. Education is a vital component to the city as Tuscaloosa is home to several colleges and schools, such as the University of Alabama, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College. Tuscaloosa Countyprovides a community in which its citizens have a rich selection of choices of where and how to live.