Madison
Madison County is home to Alabama's largest city, Huntsville, and is the heart of the state's aerospace industry and home to the Marshall Space Flight Center. Named for James Madison, who was U.S. Secretary of State at the time, it was created in 1808, some 11 years before Alabama gained statehood. The Alabama Territorial Legislature held the 1819 constitutional convention, which formed the first state’s government, in Huntsville. That setting has been faithfully recreated in Constitution Hall Historic Park. Many individuals prominent in early Alabama history are from the area. The state’s role in space exploration is highlighted at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.