Cornerstone Unveiled at Huntsville's U.S. Courthouse for America's 250th Anniversary

The General Services Administration commemorates the nation's 250th birthday with a new landmark in Alabama.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The General Services Administration has unveiled the inaugural Freedom 250 Commemorative Cornerstone at Huntsville's U.S. Courthouse to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The three-story courthouse, funded by Congress, serves North Alabama with five courtrooms, six judge chambers, and other offices. GSA plans to incorporate similar Freedom 250 Commemorative Cornerstones in all major construction projects during the anniversary year.

Why it matters

The unveiling of the commemorative cornerstone marks an important milestone in the lead-up to America's 250th birthday celebrations. As a federal building, the Huntsville U.S. Courthouse serves as a symbolic representation of the nation's judicial system and democratic values.

The details

The Freedom 250 Commemorative Cornerstone was unveiled during the dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Courthouse in Huntsville, Alabama. The three-story courthouse was funded by Congress and will serve North Alabama with five courtrooms, six judge chambers, and other offices.

  • The cornerstone was unveiled on February 13, 2026.
  • America's 250th anniversary is in 140 days.

The players

General Services Administration

The federal agency responsible for the construction and management of government buildings, including the new U.S. Courthouse in Huntsville.

Katie Britt

United States Senator representing Alabama, who attended the dedication ceremony and spoke about the significance of the federal judiciary and ongoing negotiations regarding Department of Homeland Security funding.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's really important for people to remember the department encompasses everything from FEMA, to TSA, to Secret Service, to Border Patrol, to ICE, to so much more. Everything that the department does is centered around American safety and security.”

— Katie Britt, United States Senator (WAFF)

What’s next

GSA plans to incorporate similar Freedom 250 Commemorative Cornerstones in all major construction projects during the anniversary year.

The takeaway

The unveiling of the commemorative cornerstone in Huntsville is a symbolic gesture honoring America's 250th birthday and the role of the federal judiciary in upholding the nation's democratic values. As the country prepares to celebrate this historic milestone, the new landmark serves as a reminder of the enduring strength and resilience of American institutions.