Alabama and America have lost a Patriot and historian.
Tom Walker, the visionary, founder and longtime operator of American Village in Montevallo, died on Thursday.
Walker was a member of the United States Semisesquintennial Commission, the national 250th anniversary celebration for July 4, 2026. His contribution and influence will continue in his absence.
Walker never strayed far from his alma mater, the University of Montevallo.
In an earlier career, Walker had entered Alabama state politics at an unusually young age.
He ran statewide in 1972 at age 18, the youngest age allowed, for President of the Alabama Public Service Commission.
He lost in a multi-candidate field against incumbent Eugene “Bull” Connor. The race was ultimately won by State Sen. Kenneth Hammond of Valley Head. Walker left an impression of a dynamic speaker and a young man destined to make a difference.
He ran again for PSC in 1974 and just missed winning a seat in the runoff. His dynamic speaking ability only improved.
He ran again for PSC President in 1976 and again narrowly missed the runoff.
In 1978, he ran for the open seat of State Treasurer and lost to Annie Laurie Gunter.
That was it for Walker and elective politics. He proceeded to make a huge difference outside politics in Alabama and among those who wished to study and honor the founding of our nation.
Walker founded American Village in 1995 as a way to teach American history and recreate historical sites from the nation’s earliest days.
By 1999, the 188-acre campus had opened and has continued operating for decades under the leadership of Tom Walker.
A statement issued by American Village Thursday stated:
The American Village Board of Trustees, the Lucille Ryals Thompson Chapel Board, Village staff, and friends of the Village mark his passing both with grief and joy as he will be sorely missed while we celebrate his vision and unwavering commitment to our community, to Alabama, and to the nation.
For his work with American Village, Walker received many awards, including a citation from the American Bar Association on K-12 education and “Birmingham Citizen of the Year.”
The Albertville native graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1975 with degrees in history and political science. He also received a master’s degree in political science from Mississippi State University.
One of the most creative contributions that Walker made at American Village was to find and recruit Alabama citizens who could perform breathtaking costumed impersonations of historical figures.
Now, he may meet the real leaders of yesteryear whom he honored and placed onstage – George and Martha Washington, Patrick Henry, Abigail Adams, Theodore Roosevelt and others.
Funeral announcements will be announced Friday.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].
