State senate remains under the control of the Republicans. 1872 David P. Lewis, a Scalawag from Huntsville, elected governor with the aid of a heavy black vote from the Black Belt. Disputed legislative elections. United States Attorney General settles dispute, recognizing the Republican legislature. 1874 George S. Houston, a Democrat, elected governor, and Democrats win both houses of the state legislature.
Reconstruction ends in Alabama.
1876 Presidential election results in a contest over certain electoral votes. Republican Rutherford B. Hayes wins the presidency after Republicans agree contested Southern electoral votes would go to Hayes, and Hayes would withdraw U.S. Army troops from occupation duty in the South. Reconstruction ends across the South.