Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The Big Spring

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021

1. The Big Spring Marker (Side A)

Inscription. This inexhaustible source of pure water was a marvel to Indian and frontiersman alike prior to the 19th century. John Hunt, an early settler, built a cabin near this site by 1805. The spring became a major attraction at the land sales of 1809, when LeRoy Pope outbid all others. By 1823, spring water was being pumped 96 feet through hollowed cedar logs to a reservoir on the town square. This was one of the earliest waterworks in the country.

In 1843, LeRoy Pope's son, William H. Pope, deeded the site to Huntsville for one dollar. Until 1957, the spring was the main source of fresh water for Huntsville's citizens, and for thirty years prior to 1950, revenue from the sale of water was the largest single source of income for the city's General Fund. A park/picnic ground was developed around the spring in 1898. Before that and for many years afterward, great crowds attended religious baptisms held below the small dam at the spring.

Erected 2001 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.

Location. 34°

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

43.771′ N, 86° 35.188′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from Spragins Street Southwest south of Spring Street Southwest. Marker is in Big Spring Park, on a pedestrian path around the spring. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville AL 35801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Huntsville Utilites Special Awards (a few steps from this marker); The Spring Runs Its Course (a few steps from this marker); The Big Spring of Today (within shouting distance of this marker); Northern Terminus Indian Creek Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); John Hunt (within shouting distance of this marker); Where Does the Spring Water Go? (within shouting distance of this marker); Making the Water Work (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General H.N. Toftoy, USA. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

More about this marker. Text on reverse side of marker obtained from Alabama Historical Association.

The Big Spring Marker side 2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Sandra Hughes Tidwell, December 15, 2021

2. The Big Spring Marker side 2

The Big Spring Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021

3. The Big Spring Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 229 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 18, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on May 30, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3. submitted on February 18, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.