List of mayors of Huntsville, Alabama facts for kids
A mayor is the leader of a city or town. They help make important decisions about how the city is run, like managing services, planning new projects, and representing the community. This article lists the people who have served as the main leader of Huntsville, Alabama throughout its history.
Contents
Early Leaders: Board of Trustees (1812–1828)
When Huntsville was first getting started, it was governed by a group called a "board of trustees." This board was led by a president who was chosen by the people. This was the very first way Huntsville was organized!
Some of the early presidents included:
- Nicholas Pope (1816–1819)
- John Brahan (1819–1821)
- Benjamin Pope (1821)
Aldermen Choose the President (1828–1844)
After 1828, the way Huntsville was led changed. Instead of the people directly electing a president, they elected officials called aldermen. These aldermen then chose the president of Huntsville from among themselves.
Here are some of the presidents from this time:
- William H. Campbell (1828–1829)
- James G. Birney (1829–1830)
- George Fearn (1832–1833)
Presidents Elected by the People Again (1844–1916)
In 1844, Huntsville went back to having its presidents elected directly by the people. During this long period, the city used two different ways of governing:
- President/Council System (1844–1911): The president worked with a council to lead the city.
- City Commission Government (1911–1916): A small group of people, called a commission, ran the city.
Many people served as president during these years, including:
- Joseph Clark (1844–1849)
- Zebulon P. Davis, who served multiple times (1855–1859, 1860–1861, 1865–1866, 1878–1882)
- Robert W. Coltart (1861–1865, 1866–1867)
- Jere Murphy, who also served multiple terms (1874–1878, 1889–1893, 1897–1899)
Return to Mayor/Council Government (1916–Present)
Since 1916, Huntsville has used a "Mayor/Council" form of government. This means the city is led by a mayor, who is elected by the people, and a city council.
Here are the mayors who have served since 1916:
- T. T. Terry (1916–1918)
- Henry B. Chase (1918–1920)
- W. T. Hutchens (1920–1922)
- Dr. Fraser L. Adams (1922–1926)
- Aleck W. McAllister (1926–1952)
- R. B. "Speck" Searcy, Jr. (1952–1964)
- Glenn Hearn (1964–1968)
- Joe W. Davis (1968–1988)
- Steve Hettinger (1988–1996)
- Loretta Spencer (1996–2008): She made history as Huntsville's first female mayor!
- Tommy Battle (2008–present): He is the current mayor of Huntsville.
See also
- Timeline of Huntsville, Alabama
- Mayoral elections in Huntsville, Alabama
