Hi, everyone, I am following the discussion about the history of Madison Co. with interest. Here's my two cents worth: Madison Co. was formed in Dec. 1808 and named for President James Madison. Huntsville was and still is the county seat. Huntsville's first white settlers came in 1804-05 to the area already inhabited by Cherokees and Chickasaws, and the town was quickly established. The town of Madison is just west of Huntsville; today the city limits of both have grown to meet each other. Madison is no longer a small town; over the last 15 years it has experienced the most rapid growth of any town in Alabama during the same time period. Another bit about Alabama's history that may help you in your ancestral search is that Alabama was part of the Mississippi Territory until 1817, when it became known as the Alabama Territory. On Dec. 14, 1819, Alabama became a state. Huntsville was the first capital of Alabama, but it was only temporary. For more information, try the state archives website: http://www.archives.state.al.us/index.html Hope this helps, Angela