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

William Hooper Councill High School Site

1892-1966

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 26, 2010

1. William Hooper Councill High School Site Marker

Inscription. The first public school for African-Americans in the city of Huntsville was named for the founder of the Alabama A&M University. The site, selected by a committee headed by the Rev. W.E. Gaston, was donated by the Davis-Lowe family.

Founded in 1867 in the basement of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church on Jefferson Street, the school was moved to a frame building on this site in 1892. The first diplomas were granted in 1912. A brick structure replaced the original building in 1927.

The school was closed due to integration, graduating its last class in 1966.

Erected 1993 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 34° 43.307′ N, 86° 35.321′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. Marker is on St. Clair Avenue, 0.1 miles east of Monroe Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker and school building are located next door to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 620 St Clair Avenue, Huntsville AL 35801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Huntsville's First Black Women Voters (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church Huntsville, Alabama (about 600 feet away); C.B. "Bill" Miller Bridge (approx. 0.3 miles away); Thrasher Memorial Fountain (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Water's Journey to You (approx. 0.4 miles away); Norwegian Light Beacon And Fog Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away); Saint Bartley Primitive Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of the Huntsville Slave Cemetery (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Additional commentary.
1.
According to Historical Markers of Madison County, the marker was sponsored by the Councill Alumni and the City of Huntsville, and was dedicated 27 March 1994.

— Submitted September 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 26, 2010

2. William Hooper Councill High School Site Marker

Looking east along St. Clair Avenue.

William Hooper Councill High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 26, 2010

3. William Hooper Councill High School

South side of the building.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, August 26, 2010

4. William Hooper Councill High School

A portion of the north side of the building.

William Hooper Councill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010

5. William Hooper Councill

card describing the portrait of Mr. Councill hanging on the second floor of the Alabama State Archives & History building.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, October 1, 2010

6. William Hooper Councill

Portrait of Mr. Councill at the Alabama State Archives & History building, second floor.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,340 times since then and 32 times this year. Last updated on September 22, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 27, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 5, 6. submitted on October 4, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.