A Brief History of Hanceville

Mr. Hance Kinney was born on March 7, 1805.  The Kinney family moved to America from Ireland in the early 1800's.

In 1820, families came from South Carolina and Virginia to settle in what is now known as Hanceville.  In December of 1872 P.H. Kinney named the small community Hanceville in honor of his father.  The area remained economically underdeveloped until 1873 when the L&N railroad came to Hanceville.  James Holland played a prominent role in Hanceville's early history.  Mr. Holland built the first store and saloon and later became the first Justice of the Peace.

On May 28th 1879, an election was held at P.H. Kinney's store to incorporate Hanceville.  P.H. Kinney was the first Postmaster in the city of Hanceville.  On September 12, 1878 Mr. Hance Kinney passed away.

Telephone service started when Mrs. L.O. Allred installed a switchboard in her home on September 5th, 1904.  The first bank opened in 1907.  The town developed city water in 1934.  Wallace State Community College began classes in 1966 and the college continues today as an integral part of the growth of Hanceville.
 
We would like to invite you to come and visit our city here in Hanceville, Alabama. Hanceville is located 7 miles south of Cullman, Alabama on US Highway 31 just 12 miles off I-65 at exit 291.

Please come to  visit our college Wallace State Community College(Located at 801 Main St) it is the number one junior college in the State of Alabama. Here you will find outstanding faculty and staff who are masters of their crafts and committed to student learning. The Wallace State faculty and staff believe students are the reason they exist, and they place student learning and success at the forefront of their activities and initiatives.  
We would like to also invite you to visit the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady of the Angels Monastery (Located at 3222 County Road 548).
We invite you to visit our downtown community. There you will enjoy the areas only 1950's era soda fountain, checkout the unique gift shops and antique stores, buy a bolt of fabric, or grab a bite to eat at one of the locally owned and operated restaurants. Whether its seafood, Southern cooking, traditional style pizza, wings, barbecue, or all you can eat buffet. While there you can get your hair, nails, and makeup done at one of the four beauty shops. If you need flowers for a special occasion, there are two florist, a plant nursery, and a home and garden store where you can find just what you are looking for. If flowers are not your thing, go by the gun and outdoor sports store or walk across the street for the latest in auto accessories. Rent a video, buy a set of tires, have your car detailed or update your insurance. Whatever you need, chances are you will find it Downtown. Please come see our community and get to know more about us.