Technology

           As you fly into the Huntsville International airport one of the first things you might see is the towering Saturn V rocket!  Huntsville is known as the "rocket city" due to its significance in developing space technology since 1950.  In addition to space technology it is also known for a significant footprint in the national defense industry.  Both of these have resulted in enormous growth in technology.  The video below shows the level of technological activity which has resulted in our growing economy.

Education

         Huntsville City Schools are some of the best in the South East.  Students have access to a to a large range of courses than that include distance learning, magnet schools, as well as those catering to the arts and culture.   Click here for a more detailed overview of the education system made up of Huntsville and Madison City Schools and Madison County Schools.

 History

          The high-tech city of Huntsville is not just for the 21^st century.  Tourists are exposed to attractions which reflect the 19^th century as well!  Huntsville was the first English speaking city in Alabama.  Its heritage includes the agony of the Civil War all the way to the accomplishments of America\'s rocket scientists.  

         John Hunt, a Revolutionary War veteran, first settled in the location in 1805. It was named Twickenham after Alexander Pope\'s English home at the request of LeRoy Pope. However, the town was renamed "Huntsville" on November 25, 1811 after its first settler.  Only a few years later the town grew to include various mansions that can be enjoyed today in the three current historic districts.  There are numerous places in and around Huntsville to explore its rich history. 

        It´s growth began by adding textile mills, then munitions factories, to become a major city, including NASA\'s Marshall Space Flight Center and the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal. The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Huntsville to its "America\'s Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010" list.

            Alabama Constitution Village

           Visit Alabama\'s birthplace by touring The Constitution Village.  Explore Alabama\'s rich history and become a part of the 19th century as villagers dressed in period clothing take you through eight reconstructed Federal style buildings.  Visit the actual site where forty-four delegates gathered to forge the way for Alabama\'s Statehood. 

            Burritt On the Mountain

            For another perspective of local history most visitors tour the Burritt On the Mountain regional history museum.  This mansion was built on over 150 acres on top of the Monte Sano Mountain with a gorgeous view of a large portion of the city.  Today it includes dozens of historical buildings brought in from all over the state.

            Children can enjoy history at the hands-on Earlyworks Museum and experience life on the rails in 1800´s at the Huntsville Historic Depot.

Convenience

           Huntsville International Airport is known throughout the country.  It is an 18-county service region known for its outstanding customer service, latest technology and customer convenience. 

           Local Shopping

         Bridge Street Town Centre is located at the corner of Old Madison Pike and Research Park Boulevard in the heart of Cummings Research Park.   It features over 70 upscale shops and restaurants, the Westin Huntsville Hotel, and a 10-acre lake. The property also features a customer service centre, 10-acre lake, carousel, fountains and lots of green open spaces.

         At Parkway Place Mall you can enjoy shopping, dining and fun for the entire family. It includes over 110 specialty stores and even a space with a Play Area for children.

Arts and Cultural

         Along with our historic attractions Huntsville is home to a substantial arts and cultural community. The Arts Council works to supports the work of more than 100 member arts organizations and individual artists. The Arts Council´s Arts Assembly represents the very best of Huntsville music, dance, theatre, film and visual, literary, communications and multidisciplinary arts and culture.

          Huntsville also boasts a premier arts museum with 13 galleries hosting a 2,522 permanent piece collection and a continuous array of traveling exhibits.   You can also visit the Signature Gallery represents a funky group of artists and craftsmen with a large collection of functional pottery, woodwork, glass items, and both traditional and contemporary jewelry. The gallery sports a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. You can find Signature Gallery on Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville.

Attractions and Recreation

          Huntsville and North Alabama have numerous attractions and recreational activities to please every member of the family.  These include lots of things to do for the family to experience, as well as challanging golf and other outdoor activities.  To check out a few of these click here.

Climate

         Whatever your favorite season you will experience it here.  Huntsville is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70\'s and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40\'s.  The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 89.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 30.70 degrees Fahrenheit.

         Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

         The annual average precipitation at Madison is 57.51 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 6.68 Inches.