Mr. William Hampton Luncheon Recap

Posted on Wed Oct 23, 2024

At our firm, we take immense pride in celebrating local history and the remarkable individuals who help preserve it. One such figure is Mr. William Hampton, a man deeply rooted in Huntsville’s rich past and actively involved in community efforts to honor and document it. Mr. Hampton serves on the Huntsville-Madison County Historical Society Marker Committee, where his contributions ensure that the historical markers around town tell our city’s story accurately and meaningfully. His wife even helped write one of these markers—a fun fact for those who may not know! She’s also the chair of the Circle of Remembrance Committee and serves on the African American Advisory Board for the Early Works Children’s Museum, proving her dedication to preserving our shared history is just as deep.

In June 2020, Mr. Hampton opened the Huntsville Revisited Museum, a space that celebrates local history with unique insights into “Old Huntsville.” Today, we’re thrilled to have him share some of those insights with us. His work on social media, particularly on Instagram, is a favorite of mine—his posts about Huntsville’s past always fascinate me. If you’re not following him yet, I highly recommend it. You’ll find yourself liking more of his posts than anything else in your feed!

During his presentation, Mr. Hampton shared a wealth of knowledge about Huntsville’s storied past, invoking a “front porch” style of storytelling—much like sitting with family, where stories evolve, and others chime in to add their recollections. His journey began in the 1970s when, as a high school student, he noticed the influx of new people to Huntsville at the height of the space program. Many asked where he was from, not realizing that Huntsville had been home to his family for generations. Tracing his roots back to the late 1700s, he developed a deep connection to Huntsville’s history, which was sparked by stories passed down from his great-grandfather, born in 1862.

Mr. Hampton’s love for his city eventually led him to start the Huntsville Revisited Facebook page in 2008, one of the first to join being his dear friend, Pat Martinson. His contributions, along with the many other dedicated followers, have made Huntsville Revisited a vibrant platform for sharing stories and photographs of the city's past. The “front porch” experience is an apt metaphor—just like family reunions where everyone contributes their own recollections, Huntsville Revisited is a community effort, where participants offer their memories to enrich the collective narrative.

Mr. Hampton regaled us with stories about Huntsville’s early days, noting some of the city’s many “firsts”: the first incorporated town, the first Masonic Lodge, the first state bank, and even the site of Alabama’s first governor inauguration. He also highlighted November 12, 1811, when Twickenham officially became Huntsville—a date he has personally celebrated for years by sharing the historical significance with anyone who will listen.

Beyond anecdotes, Mr. Hampton’s presentation was filled with rich visual history. He shared photographs of Huntsville in its formative years, including images of the courthouse square in the early 1900s, the city’s first cotton row, and historic landmarks that have either been lost or lovingly restored. His storytelling brought these old images to life, offering a window into a bygone era of Huntsville that continues to influence its present.

Mr. Hampton’s dedication to preserving and sharing Huntsville’s history is truly remarkable, and his passion is contagious. It was an honor to have him with us, sharing not only the city’s past but also the personal stories that connect us all to this place. Huntsville Revisited continues to be a vital resource for those who want to explore and celebrate our city’s rich heritage.

We hope to see more exciting contributions from Mr. Hampton and his museum, which remains a cornerstone for anyone looking to learn more about Huntsville’s vibrant history. Thank you, Mr. Hampton, for keeping the stories of our beloved city alive.