Normal in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
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Alabama A&M University former names
Normal, Alabama
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011
1. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Marker (side 1)
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Legislature approved 9 December 1873 "a normal school for the education of colored teachers" in Huntsville. Ex-slave William Hooper Councill founder and first president. Classes began May 1875 in a rented building; moved 1881 to first school-owned property on West Clinton Street. Land-grant funds received 1891 for training of Negroes in agriculture and mechanic arts enabled school to enlarge and re-establish at present location. Evolved from a Normal School to a University in ninety-four years.
Alabama A&M University former names
1873 - Colored Normal School at Huntsville
1885 - The Huntsville State Colored Normal and Industrial School
1896 - The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes
1919 - The State Agricultural and mechanical Institute for Negroes
1948 - Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College
1969 - University status achieved
Erected 1974 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama and in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area. 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Councill Training School (approx. Ό mile away); Edmonton Heights Historic District (approx. Ό mile away); William Hooper Councill (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lynching in America / The Lynching of Robert Mosley (approx. 1.1 miles away); Harris Hill Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Dallas (Optimist) Park / (Dallas) Optimist Park (approx. 2 miles away); Dallas Mills and Village / Rison School (approx. 2.1 miles away); Lowry House (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Normal.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Additional commentary.
1. Condition of marker.
Although very legible, the marker has been cracked and is basically being held together by a large pipe clamp.
— Submitted January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020
2. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University / Alabama A&M University former names Marker
Replacement marker
2. Marker has been replaced.
This marker was replaced in March, 2019 due to the wear and tear over the years. The replacement marker still retains the original marker date of 1974.
— Submitted August 1, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020
3. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University / Alabama A&M University former names Marker
Replacement marker
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011
4. Alabama A&M University Marker (side 2)
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011
5. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Marker
Looking north along Meridian Street.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 21, 2020
6. Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University / Alabama A&M University former names Marker
Replacement marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,534 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 6. submitted on November 22, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
