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

Councill Training School

(1919 - 1970)

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011

1. Councill Training School Marker (Side A)

Inscription. In 1919, the first building was erected nearby with funds provided locally and supplemented with a Julius Rosenwald Foundation grant. Named for William H. Councill, Alabama A&M University founder, the three-room structure was built for black students in grades 1-6. Traditionally county black students were taught in churches and lodge halls. Many would continue their education at the University's Laboratory School. The second school was erected on this site in 1948. This structure accommodated 600 students, grades 1-12. The first class graduated in 1949. The principals were: Dr. Charles Orr (1948-53), Mr. J.H. Richards (1953-59), and Mr. A.G. Adams (1959-70).

In 1952, the school was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment increased from 600 to 950; faculty from 22 to 32. Additional classrooms were constructed in 1958 and 1962. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 impacted the future of the school. As black students attended neighborhood schools due to integration, enrollment declined. In 1968, the school became a senior high school, limited to grades 10-12. The school closed in 1970 as full integration took effect. The land and property reverted to Alabama A&M University in 1971 to accommodate University needs.

Erected 2001 by Alabama Historical Association

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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, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Rosenwald Schools series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 34° 46.96′ N, 86° 34.344′ W. Marker is in Normal, Alabama, in Madison County. It is on Meridian Street ¼ mile north of Chase Road NE, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in front of the Old Councill Training School building, a portion or all of which is now occupied by the Alabama A&M University ROTC program. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Normal AL 35762, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: William Hooper Councill (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University / Alabama A&M University former names (approx. ¼ mile away); Edmonton Heights Historic District (approx. half a mile away); Lynching in America / The Lynching of Robert Mosley (approx. 1.1 miles away); Harris Hill Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); Dallas (Optimist) Park / (Dallas) Optimist Park

Councill Training School Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011

2. Councill Training School Marker (Side B)

(approx. 2.2 miles away); Dallas Mills and Village / Rison School (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lowry House (approx. 2.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Normal.

Councill Training School Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011

3. Councill Training School Marker

Looking north along Meridian Street.

Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, January 15, 2011

4. Councill Training School Marker

The snow makes it difficult to see, but the marker appears to be supported in a plastic bucket and about to fall over, as you can see.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,863 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 17, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.