The Brandon family’s masonry firm helped shape Huntsville’s architectural landscape, including the iconic Harrison Brothers Hardware.
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, AL — A newly updated historic marker was unveiled Friday on Huntsville’s Courthouse Square, honoring the lasting contributions of Henderson and Daniel Brandon, two of the city’s most prominent Black entrepreneurs in the late nineteenth century. The Brandon family’s masonry business, active from 1887 to 1921, constructed 14 key buildings across North Alabama, including the iconic Harrison Brothers Hardware in 1902.
The updated marker, which replaces a previous version dedicated in 1989, also weaves together the intertwined history of the Brandon and Harrison families, offering a richer, more nuanced perspective of Huntsville’s growth. Local officials, including Mayor Tommy Battle, were present for the unveiling ceremony, underscoring the importance of acknowledging this significant chapter of Huntsville’s history.
“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 also spoke, highlighting how historic markers like the one honoring the Brandons play a key role in preserving the city’s rich past. “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.”
The history of the Brandon family dates back to the post-Civil War era, when Henderson Brandon, freed from slavery, founded a brickmaking business and mill. His son, Daniel Brandon, joined the family business in 1886 and went on to become a well-respected leader in the community, even serving on the Huntsville Board of Aldermen from 1897 to 1905.
The connection between the Brandon family and the iconic Harrison Brothers Hardware was uncovered by Ollye Conley, a retired educator who has long documented the history of Huntsville’s Black community. The Historic Huntsville Foundation (HHF), which has preserved the history of the Harrison family’s store since 1984, then took on the responsibility of exploring and sharing the Brandon family’s legacy through public exhibitions and walking tours.
“We are now proud stewards of Brandon family history,” said Donna Castellano, Executive Director of HHF. “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.”
This updated marker stands as a powerful reminder of the Black entrepreneurial spirit that helped shape Huntsville’s growth and development, ensuring that the contributions of Henderson and Daniel Brandon will be remembered for generations to come.
