Bettie Hunter House: A Legacy of Resilience

The Bettie Hunter House, located on St. Francis Street in downtown Mobile, Alabama, is a historic landmark that embodies the inspiring story of Bettie Hunter. Born into slavery in Dallas County, Alabama, in 1852, Bettie Hunter moved to Mobile after the Civil War and, with her brother Henry, established a thriving carriage business. Recognizing the opportunities in the transportation of goods from the bustling port, she cornered the market and became a successful businesswoman in a time when such achievements were extraordinary for women, especially Black women. In 1878, at the age of 27, Bettie Hunter commissioned the construction of her two-story Italianate house, reflecting her hard-earned success and social standing. The house's architecture, characterized by its elaborate detailing and symmetrical design, mirrors the style of affluent residences in Mobile during the late 19th century. Tragically, Bettie Hunter passed away from anemia in 1879, just a year after her house was completed. The house was left to her family, and it has been owned by women in her family ever since. Today, the Bettie Hunter House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a stop on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail. While the house is a private residence and is not open for public tours, its exterior serves as a powerful reminder of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream. The house was partially damaged by Hurricane Frederic in 1979, and there are hopes to restore it for use as an event space or art gallery.