Attracted by a fast-flowing spring, John Hunt, the founder of Huntsville, built a cabin here in 1805. Six years later, Huntsville became the first incorporated town in the Alabama Territory. The spring remained the town's main water source until the mid-twentieth century. Big Spring Park is located in downtown Huntsville and boasts cherry trees and a red footbridge donated by the Japanese government in 1966, along with decorative gifts from other Cold War U.S. allies. The Big Spring Jam, an annual music festival, has been held here in late September since 1993.

Published: 28 February 2007
© 2007 David Wharton and Southern Spaces