This two sided sign has been broke and temporary repairs have been made. From the sign:
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Normal, Alabama
Legislature approved 9 December 1873 "a normal school for the education of colored teachers" in Huntsville. Ex-slave William Hooper Councill founder and first president. Classes began May 1875 in a rented building; moved 1881 to first school-owned property on West Clinton Street. Land-grant funds received 1891 for training of Negroes in agriculture and mechanic arts enables school to enlarge and re-establish at present location. Evolved from a normal school to a University in ninety-four years.
Side 2
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Normal, Alabama
Former names
1873 - Colored Normal School at Huntsville
1885 - The Huntsville State Colored Normal and Industrial School
1896 - The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes
1919 - The State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes
1948 - Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College
1969 - University status achieved