Downtown Huntsville is getting a new historic marker

Alice Boarman Baldridge left her mark on the Huntsville community—and now Huntsville is dedicating a marker to her.

At 703 Adams Street, Downtown Huntsville will be welcoming a new historic marker for Alice and the dedication will be October 30 at 2PM.

About Alice Baldridge

Alice Boarman Baldridge was a suffragist, elected official and practicing attorney—all during the time that women were denied the right to vote.

The Madison County Board of Education elected Alice to hold public office, and she was the first woman from Madison County to hold public office. That was in 1916—four years before women’s suffrage.

In 1918, when Alice was 44 years old, she became the first female attorney in Madison County.

Alice was a true trailblazer for women in Madison County—but she didn’t stop there.

She moved to New York City, where she practiced law for 34 years on Wall Street. She received many honors, including being named “Outstanding Woman Lawyer” by the Woman’s Almanac, Facts For, By and About Women.

Changing Huntsville

Not only did Alice become an outstanding lawyer, but she also advocated for change in the Huntsville community.

She helped the city obtain funding for a library that was built on Madison Street and remained there until 1966.

She paved the way for other women to be elected to public office in Huntsville.

She delivered a speech that is credited with bringing Jackson Highway (which you may know today as Highway 231 and Highway 431) through Huntsville.

She worked to improve the quality of education for Black students in Madison County.

She made history.

The marker dedication

Ready to celebrate Alice? The Huntsville Historic Foundation and the City of Huntsville are unveiling the marker and holding a celebration Sunday. Here’s the details.

• Location: 703 Adams Street SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Date: October 30, 2PM

The street will be closed down for the event, and it’s totally free! Bring the whole family for the fun event with free buttons, coloring books and stickers.

BONUS: Want more Huntsville history? Check out our Alabama History page for more stories like this!

Excited for the new historic marker? Let us know by tagging us on social media @hvilleblast or by using our hashtag #hvilleblast.