Timeline data collected from a number of sources including, but not limited to, Alabama Baptist State Convention minutes, university yearbooks (Entre Nous) and student newspapers (the Crimson), Seasons Magazine, histories from University Libraries, as well as input from the University Archivist, oral history interviews, and other university sources. This timeline is a work in progress and will continue to evolve as we expand our research. Originals of timeline photographs are housed in Samford University Special Collection (http://library.samford.edu/about/special.html).
An Army led by Andrew Jackson inflicted a “decisive, crushing” defeat on Creek warriors. “It marks the end of Indian Domination of this land.- Ed Bridges, Director, Alabama State Archives
Marion, Alabama, "The College City," was established in 1817. First called Muckle Ridge, the town was later renamed in honor of Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox."
Hosea Holcombe leads in the founding of Ruhama Baptist Church in East Lake adjacent to the site that would become Howard College. Ruhama is Birmingham's oldest continuous congregation. Holcombe served as pastor from 1819 to 1821. The church provided much support to Howard College after the move to the East Lake campus in 1888.
Alabama becomes the 22nd state. “It really marks the time when we come together as a people within these boundaries, and we are Alabamians”- Ed Bridges, Alabama State Archives Director
In June 1822 Siloam Baptist Church is founded. Siloam played an important role in the early years of Howard College. Members of the church also founded Judson College and the Alabama Baptist newspaper.
First courthouse built in Marion.
The Alabama Baptist State Convention (ABSC) meets for the first time at Salem Baptist Church.
Judson College, the Baptist college for women, established in Marion, Alabama
Howard College Incorporation. In November 1841, at their regular convention meeting in Talladega, the Alabama Baptist State Convention decided to establish a college for men. The founders chose to name the school Howard College in honor of John Howard, an eighteenth century English social reformer who frequently risked his own life to better the wretched condition of prisoners in that era. He was widely revered as a model of Christian compassion when the school was founded.
Samuel Sterling Sherman is named the first president of Howard College. Just 27 years old at the time of his appointment, Sherman was the only professor at Howard for most of the first year. Sherman served as president until 1852.