In 1809, LeRoy Pope, a planter of considerable means, from the Broad River aea in Georgia, bought land surrounding the "Big Spring" for twenty-three dollars and fifty cents an acre. At the suggestion of Pope, the new town was named "Twickenham" after the English home of his ancestor, Alexander Pope. Later the name was changed to Huntsville, in honor of its first settler.
The highest hill overlooking the town was chosen by Colonel LeRoy Pope as the site of his home. Pope built his home, Popular Grove, in 1814. It is the oldest documented antebellum mansion in Alabama. The classic Greek Revival portico, designed by George Steele, a local architect, was added in 1848. Shortly after the Popes moved into their new home, they hosted a dinner in honor of future president, Andrew Jackson. Guests included five future governors of Alabama.
In 1979, Popular Grove was leased to the University of Alabama in Huntsville for its president's home. Danny Wiginston purchased the house in 1997 and undertook an extensive restoration. Once again, Popular Grove has become a center for gracious southern living.
