Huntsville donates historic railroad boxcar to Scottsboro Boys Museum

Published on January 8, 2026

The City of Huntsville is donating a historic “AAR” railroad boxcar* to the Scottsboro Boys Museum, which supports the preservation and education of an important chapter in North Alabama’s history.

The boxcar closely resembles the type of rail cars involved in the infamous Scottsboro Boys case, in which nine young African American men were arrested during a 1931 train ride from Chattanooga to Huntsville, and later unjustly accused and convicted of a serious crime. The case became a landmark moment in American legal history and the civil rights movement.

The Scottsboro Multicultural Foundation, a nonprofit organization operating the Scottsboro Boys Museum, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the Scottsboro Boys. Relocating the boxcar to the museum will enhance its educational exhibits and provide visitors with a tangible connection to the historical events surrounding the case.

City leaders emphasized that the museum serves a valid public educational purpose for residents across North Alabama, including Huntsville, and that the donation aligns with the City’s commitment to historical preservation and public education.

*AAR boxcar is the North American Railway (AAR) term for a railroad car that is enclosed and generally used to carry freight. The boxcar’s simple design is considered one of the most versatile since it can carry most loads.