5 fun and fascinating sites for history buffs

Huntsville sign for history buffs — Sign of historic Huntsville (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Are you a history buff who happens to live in North Alabama? Well, I’ve got a special guide for you. Shop, read and eat (sometimes all three) at 5 of Huntsville and surrounding area’s coolest and most interesting sites.

The beauty of history

Love of history generates not only an appreciation of the present, but also an optimism for the future as we learn about how far we’ve come.

It’s hard to find somewhere that doesn’t have at least some interesting history, but I’d be willing to bet Huntsville and surrounding areas have more than your average city. Check them all out below.

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt mansion on top of Round Top mountain (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

In this park, visitors are able to experience Dr. William Burritt’s unique 1938 mansion. It is situated on top of Round Top Mountain amid 167-acres of land.

You’ll find plenty to learn from about farming along with a blacksmith shop and assorted outbuildings. Interpreters in authentic period dress are around for questions and to give tours and demonstrate life as it was on an 1800s farm. Perfect for a history buff’s day out.

Where: 3101 Burritt Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

When: Tuesday-Saturday: 9AM – 5PM; Sunday: 12PM-5PM; CLOSED Monday.

Why: outside, good for kids and makes a fun day trip.

Constitution Hall Park

This site is where the Alabama constitution was signed, you can think of it as a birthplace. Look around for plaques and take note of the beautiful architecture of surrounding homes in the Twickenham district.

You’ll find a variety of historic churches, houses and memorials nearby. History buffs will have a heyday looking at all the different plaques scattered around.

Where: 109 Gates Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801

When: Wednesday-Saturday: 10AM-3PM; CLOSED^* Sunday-Tuesday.

Why: informational, great for photos, surrounding area has lots of places to eat, drink and shop.

Harrison Brothers Hardware

Harrison Brothers Hardware is a historic shop in downtown Huntsville. It’s a great place to find gifts such as books, locally made decorations and more.

Less than five minutes away from Constitution Park, you won’t want to miss this little shop.

Where: 124 S Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801

When: Monday-Saturday: 10AM-5PM; CLOSED Sunday

Why: great for gifts, perusing, and located in the center of downtown near Big Spring Park.

Main St Café

Every meal is more delicious when someone else cooks. (Main Street Cafe / Facebook)

Located inside an old county courthouse, Main St Café offers patrons the opportunity to eat inside a jail cell. If that freaks you out, don’t worry, they have regular seating as well.

Formerly the 3rd Madison county courthouse, the jail cells are from a time when the police chief and his deputy had offices within the courthouse, and is now a staple in downtown Madison. History buffs can both peruse and eat in this quaint part of town.

Where: 101 Main St, Madison, AL 35758

When: Monday-Tuesday: 11AM-2PM; Wednesday-Thursday: 11AM-2PM, 5PM-8PM; Friday-Saturday: 5PM-9PM; CLOSED Sunday

Why: Experience a jail cell without breaking the law, explore downtown Madison, satisfy your appetite.

Morgan County Archives

downtown Decatur — Downtown Decatur (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Although a bit of a drive from Huntsville, Morgan County Archives is worth the trip. From downtown Huntsville, it’s about a thirty minute drive.

This place offers history buffs the chance to view records of Morgan (formerly Cataco) county since 1819 when Alabama first become a state. There is a wide assortment of books, records, biographies, maps and photos all about its history.

Where: 628 Bank St NE, Decatur, AL 35601

When: Tuesday-Friday: 8AM – 4:30PM

Why: see what some of your favorite places in Decatur were 100 years ago.

Thank you, history buffs

I’m glad to live in a city with as rich a history as Huntsville, and even though I just scratched the surface about all there is to see, let it be an introduction to your Huntsville endearment.

We’re always interested in the old and the new. If you’re curious about more guides and whether you consider yourself a history buff or just an interested citizen, keep up with us.

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