Updated marker on Huntsville’s courthouse square honors early Black business owners
Published on February 28, 2025
A newly updated historic marker on Huntsville’s courthouse square now recognizes the significant contributions of Henderson Brandon and his son, Daniel, founders of the city’s most successful Black-owned business in the late nineteenth century.
The Brandon family’s masonry firm, active from 1887 to 1921, constructed 14 buildings across North Alabama, including Huntsville’s iconic Harrison Brothers Hardware, built by Daniel Brandon in 1902.
The updated marker not only highlights the Brandon family’s achievements but also incorporates the intertwined history of the Harrison and Brandon families, replacing the original marker dedicated in 1989. Mayor Tommy Battle was among those on hand for the updated marker’s unveiling.
“It’s crucial for us to honor the contributions of individuals like Henderson and Daniel Brandon, whose legacies still influence our community today,” Mayor Battle said. “Their voices reflect the diverse experiences and enduring spirit that make Huntsville a special place.”
District 4 Council Member Bill Kling, who represents much of downtown Huntsville on the City Council, said historic markers like the one honoring the Brandons ensure the City’s history isn’t forgotten.
“Our historic downtown is the heart of our city and holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered,” Kling said. “From the buildings to the streets, each brick and corner has a narrative that shapes who we are today.”
A storied history
Harrison Brothers Hardware, founded in 1879 by brothers James and Daniel Harrison, has been a staple of Huntsville’s courthouse square since 1897. In 1984, to preserve this historic building, the Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the city’s heritage – purchased the building and retail store from the Harrison family.
HHF first learned of the connection between Daniel Brandon and the Harrison Brothers building several years ago, thanks to Ollye Conley, a retired educator who has long documented the history of Huntsville’s Black community. The Foundation then embarked on further research, sharing these discoveries through public history exhibitions and walking tours.
“The Foundation has preserved the history of the Harrison family and their store for over 40 years, and we are now proud stewards of Brandon family history, too,” said Donna Castellano, Executive Director of the Historic Huntsville Foundation. “The updated historic marker honors the legacies of both families, weaving their stories together for a richer, more nuanced understanding of Huntsville and Alabama history.”
The Brandon family’s history spans the journey from slavery to entrepreneurship. After being emancipated, Henderson Brandon established a brickmaking business, a mill, and a store on his property near what is now Pulaski Pike and Holmes Avenue. His son, Daniel Brandon, joined the family enterprise in 1886 and became a highly respected community leader. He was elected to the Huntsville Board of Aldermen, where he served from 1897 to 1905.
This updated marker stands as a testament to the contributions of the Brandon and Harrison families and their lasting impact on Huntsville’s development.