Moulton in Lawrence County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Gallagher Hill/Science Hill
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, April 20, 2010
1. Gallagher Hill/Science Hill Marker
Inscription.
Gallagher Hill/Science Hill. . The elevation to the northeast was known as Gallagher Hill. It was owned by John Gallagher who was born 1784 in Donegal County, Ireland. Coming to America 12 Aug 1812, he was a Lawrence County official by 1822. Later known as Science Hill, the Moulton Male High School, incorporated 2 Feb 1858, was built on the site. Thomas M. Peters was President of the Board, and school trustees included Asa Hodges, William McKelvy, Henry Warren, and W.F. Owen. On 22 Apr 1858, the trustees advertised for bids "for the erection of a building on Gallagher Hill, east of town for said school, and the removal of the old town schoolhouse to the same location." The Moulton Democrat of 5 Nov 1858, stated that building would be completed "in a week or two," and the Professor Zenias F. Freeman was principal. Freeman was an educator of national reputation. The first session of school began 3 Jan 1850. In 1874, the Methodist Episcopal Church - South bought the land and buildings to begin a new school called Decatur District High School. Michael Wert was Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Professor Mitchell was principal. On 1 Jul 1888, a lynching occurred on the school grounds with Sheriff William F. Roberson and Judge J.C. Kumpe intervening to no avail.
The elevation to the northeast was known as Gallagher Hill. It was owned by John Gallagher who was born 1784 in Donegal County, Ireland. Coming to America 12 Aug 1812, he was a Lawrence County official by 1822. Later known as Science Hill, the Moulton Male High School, incorporated 2 Feb 1858, was built on the site. Thomas M. Peters was President of the Board, and school trustees included Asa Hodges, William McKelvy, Henry Warren, and W.F. Owen. On 22 Apr 1858, the trustees advertised for bids "for the erection of a building on Gallagher Hill, east of town for said school, and the removal of the old town schoolhouse to the same location." The Moulton Democrat of 5 Nov 1858, stated that building would be completed "in a week or two," and the Professor Zenias F. Freeman was principal. Freeman was an educator of national reputation. The first session of school began 3 Jan 1850. In 1874, the Methodist Episcopal Church - South bought the land and buildings to begin a new school called Decatur District High School. Michael Wert was Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Professor Mitchell was principal. On 1 Jul 1888, a lynching occurred on the school grounds with Sheriff William F. Roberson and Judge J.C. Kumpe intervening to no avail.
Erected by Lawrence County Historical Commission, Inc.
Topics. This
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historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 3, 1850.
Location. 34° 28.902′ N, 87° 17.173′ W. Marker is in Moulton, Alabama, in Lawrence County. Marker is at the intersection of Court Street (County Route 460) and Hospital Street, on the right when traveling west on Court Street. Marker is in front of Moulton Post Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14645 Court St, Moulton AL 35650, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 834 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 24, 2013, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.