Central High School/Central Junior High School
Historical marker location:
990 Ryland Pike, Ryland, Alabama
( Marker is on Ryland Pike east of Moontown Road, on the right when traveling east.)
Marker installed: 2017
1917-1931/1931-1981
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Alabama was the first state in the United States to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
About Madison County
Madison County Timeline
Madison County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Cherokee. In the late 1700s, European settlers began to establish small communities in the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The county's history took a significant turn when Huntsville was chosen as the site for a new federal arsenal and military post in 1808. This decision, along with the subsequent establishment of the Redstone Arsenal in 1941, brought a wave of growth and development to the area. Huntsville and Madison County became vital centers for defense and aerospace industries, contributing to major technological advances and attracting thousands of skilled workers.
During the Civil War, Madison County found itself caught in the midst of a divided nation. The area witnessed several significant battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of First Manassas and the Battle of New Market. The county also served as a strategic transportation hub, with railroads and roads leading to key southern cities.
In more recent years, Madison County has experienced continued growth and prosperity. The county's economy diversified with the expansion of industries such as healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Huntsville's NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Cummings Research Park have made Madison County a hub for cutting-edge research and development.
Today, Madison County is a vibrant and diverse community with a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The county's rich history, natural beauty, and thriving industries make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
The county's history took a significant turn when Huntsville was chosen as the site for a new federal arsenal and military post in 1808. This decision, along with the subsequent establishment of the Redstone Arsenal in 1941, brought a wave of growth and development to the area. Huntsville and Madison County became vital centers for defense and aerospace industries, contributing to major technological advances and attracting thousands of skilled workers.
During the Civil War, Madison County found itself caught in the midst of a divided nation. The area witnessed several significant battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of First Manassas and the Battle of New Market. The county also served as a strategic transportation hub, with railroads and roads leading to key southern cities.
In more recent years, Madison County has experienced continued growth and prosperity. The county's economy diversified with the expansion of industries such as healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Huntsville's NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the Cummings Research Park have made Madison County a hub for cutting-edge research and development.
Today, Madison County is a vibrant and diverse community with a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The county's rich history, natural beauty, and thriving industries make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Madison County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Madison County, Alabama.
- 1808 - Madison County was created by the Mississippi Territory.
- 1811 - The town of Huntsville became the county seat.
- 1819 - Alabama achieved statehood, and Madison County became part of it.
- 1861-1865 - Madison County was deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1883 - The city of Madison was incorporated.
- 1950s - Redstone Arsenal, a major U.S. Army post, was established in the county.
- 1960s - Huntsville experienced significant growth due to space-related developments, including the establishment of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
- 1970s - Madison County experienced rapid population growth and urbanization.
- 1996 - The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, home to the Saturn V rocket, was designated as a National Historic Landmark.