WH Councill High School

William Hooper Councill High School served African American students in Huntsville, Alabama, from 1867 until 1966 and is now the site of William Hooper Councill Memorial Park. Founded in 1867 in the basement of Lakeside Methodist Episcopal Church  on Jefferson Street, the school was moved to a frame building on this  site in 1892. The first public school for African Americans in Huntsville, it was named for William Hooper Councill who founded Lincoln  School in Huntsville and pushed for its expansion  into the state normal school it became in 1875, leading to its becoming Alabama A&M University.  The first diplomas were granted in 1912. A brick structure  replaced the original building in 1927. The high school has several prominent alumni. 

In 1965, its football team was undefeated. The school closed during integration (desegregation) and the last class graduated in 1966. The high school building is extant and is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. 

Community activists organized to have the school site redeveloped as a park.  The park is at 620 St. Clair Avenue next to the Huntsville Madison County Public Library. A bronze statue of Councill is in the park. Statues of children are also planned.