Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
⎯⎯⎯
The Forefront of Montgomery's Future
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010
1. Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Marker
Side A
The first American Chamber of Commerce was organized in New York City in 1770. The Montgomery Chamber was organized in 1873. Thomas Joseph was its first President. The Alabama State Journal stated at its founding, "Montgomery ought to have a Chamber of Commerce. Located in the midst of one of the richest agricultural districts in the South, the political center of the commonwealth, and the commercial center of a large section which obtain here their supplies, the Chamber of Commerce would seem to be demanded by the necessities of our position." Initially, it occupied the front rooms of the First National Bank Building.
Side B
The Chamber changed names several times, but stayed in the lead for solid progress. Initially, it encouraged European immigrants to move south, promoted development of the Alabama River and the railroads, and had Commerce Street paved. It brought the Wright Brothers flying school here in 1910 and was key to bringing military bases, the Veterans Hospital, trade schools, educational institutions, industrial parks, and tourism to the area. It is the linchpin of business and community growth partnering with elected and civic leaders to create jobs and a better quality of life for Montgomery area citizens.
Erected 1996 by The Montgomery
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1770.
Location. 32° 22.688′ N, 86° 18.617′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. It is on Commerce Street south of Bibb Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 41 Commerce Street, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Tri-Counties River Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. 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 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: Josiah Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); The Southern Courier. (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomerys Slave Markets / First Emancipation Observance - 1866 (within shouting distance of this marker); Decorative Lions Heads (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Offices of the Confederate Government (about 400 feet away); Great Seal of the Confederacy (about 400 feet away); Here Stood Mrs. Rosa Parks (about 400 feet away); City of Montgomery / Court Square (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.
Another marker is no longer nearby. An Intersection of History: Court Square
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010
2. The Forefront of Montgomery's Future Marker
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010
3. Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce / The Forefront of Montgomery's Future Marker
Looking south along Commerce Street toward Court Square.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010
4. Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
marker is to the right of the building under the tree.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,500 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 5, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
