Published on February 28, 2025
A newly updated historical marker on the place of the Huntsville courthouse now recognizes the important contributions of Henderson Brandon and his son, Daniel, founders of the most successful company in the city at the end of the 19th century.
The Masonry Society of the Brandon family, active from 1887 to 1921, built 14 buildings across the north of Alabama, including the emblematic Harrison Brothers Hardware of Huntsville, built by Daniel Brandon in 1902.
The updated marker puts not only the achievements of the Brandon family, but also incorporates the intertwined history of the Harrison and Brandon families, replacing the original marker dedicated in 1989. Mayor Tommy Battle was among the people at hand for the unveiling of the updated marker.
“It is crucial for us to honor the contributions of people like Henderson and Daniel Brandon, whose inheritances still influence our community today,” said Mayor Battle. “Their voices reflect diverse experiences and the lasting spirit that makes Huntsville a special place.”
The member of the District 4 Council, Bill Kling, who represents a large part of the downtown Huntsville on the municipal council, said that historic markers like the one who honored Brandons ensures that the history of the city was not forgotten.
“Our historic city center is the heart of our city and holds a treasure of stories awaiting to be discovered,” said Kling. “Buildings on the streets, each brick and corner has a story that is shaping that we are today.”
A legendary story
Harrison Brothers Hardware, founded in 1879 by the James and Daniel Harrison brothers, has been a must in the Place du Palais de Justice de Huntsville since 1897. In 1984, to preserve this historic building, the History of Huntsville Foundation (HHF) – A non -profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the city’s heritage – bought the construction and detail store of the Harrison family.
HHF learned for the first time the link 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 the black community of Huntsville. The Foundation then embarked on new research, sharing these discoveries through public history exhibitions and walking visits.
“The Foundation has retained the history of the Harrison family and their store for over 40 years, and we are now proud of the guards of the family history of Brandon also,” said Donna Castellano, executive director of the Hutoric Huntsville Foundation. “The updated historical marker honors the inheritances of the two families, weaving their stories together for a richer and more nuanced understanding in the history of Huntsville and Alabama.”
The history of the Brandon family covers the trip from slavery to entrepreneurship. After being emancipated, Henderson Brandon created a bricking company, a mill and a store on his property near what is now Pulaski Pike and Holmes Avenue. His son, Daniel Brandon, joined the family business in 1886 and became a highly respected community leader. He was elected to the board of directors of Huntsville, where he served from 1897 to 1905.
This updated marker testifies to the contributions of the Brandon and Harrison families and their lasting impact on the development of Huntsville.