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)
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.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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 (within shouting distance of this marker); Northern Terminus Indian Creek Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Big Spring of Today (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); Major General H.N. Toftoy, USA. (within shouting distance of this marker); First Bank In Alabama (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Making the Water Work (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. Text on reverse side of marker obtained from Alabama Historical Association.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes Tidwell, December 15, 2021
2. The Big Spring Marker side 2
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, February 13, 2021
3. The Big Spring Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 532 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on July 28, 2025, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 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. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
