Pope-Watts Home, Echols Avenue

Crowning the District, this beautiful home was built by LeRoy Pope soon after he bought most of the land that was Twickenham in 1809. In 1814, Andrew Jackson was entertained here with a lavish dinner. The glorious portico was added by George Steele for Dr. Charles Patton ca. 1842. His descendants retain it to this day, leasing it to the University of Alabama-Huntsville for its president's home. Drawn by Trice Hinds in 1978.

"Echols Hill" has been the scene of many special events since May 17,1814, when LeRoy Pope and his wife, Judith, held a reception with dinner on the grounds in honor of General Andrew Jackson. The account of this event documents Echols Hill as the eldest ante-bellum home in Alabama.

Dr. John C. Wright, President of the University of Alabama in huntsville, and his wife, Margaret, continue the tradition of entertaining at Echols Hill. Their first historic event was a seated dinner on September 14,1979 for The Honorable Paul C. Warnke ind The Honorable Paul H. Nitze, SALT II Treaty opponents. This gathering of prominent national and governmental officials was highlighted by the presence of the late U.S. Senator John Sparkman of Alabama.

In September 1988, the new president of U.A.H., Dr. Louis Padulo, and his wife, Katherine, will become the residents of this home there guests may continue to step back in history and enjoy the racious southern hospitality and charm of "Echols Hill."