About Perry County
How to Help
Samford Returns to its Roots
"....we can't talk about Samford's mission without taking along look at our beginnings in Perry County...."
Samford University was founded, as Howard College, in Marion, Alabama in 1841 amongst a thriving Alabama Baptist community.
In 1854, the college's main building was destroyed by fire. An obelisk monument located in the old Marion, Alabama public cemetery honors a slave known only as Harry. Harry, owned by college president Henry Talbird, refused to leave the burning building before alerting the sleeping students, and so traded his life for theirs.
In 1887, Howard College moved from Marion to East Birmingham.
In 1957, the institution was moved to its present campus.
Samford faculty, staff and students continue to return to its birthplace.
Upcoming Events [Past Events]
- - The Spirit of Alabama video
- - Reflections
- Nov 17, 2007 - Perry County Service Day
- Mar 15, 2008 - Perry County Spring Break Mission Trip
- Apr 5, 2008 - Union town Health Fair
- Apr 5, 2008 - Financial Literacy Class
- Apr 19, 2008 - Old Howard 100
Schools/Departments Involved
- Samford In Mission
- Samford University Ministries
- Howard College of Arts and Sciences
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy