When plans were made in the late 1950's to widen Highway 31 southward from Birmingham, William Hoover knew that things were about to change for the largely undeveloped area just south of Vestavia Hills. He bought as many acres of land as he could, opened an insurance company, and thus planted the seed that grew into the City of Hoover.

In 1967, the city was incorporated - all four blocks of it. Hoover was initially comprised of only 410 citizens. Just six years later, however, the city boasted a population of 3,594 and other areas wishing to capitalize on Mr. Hoover's foresight began to seek annexation into the city limits. Interstates 65 (Alabama's primary North-South artery) and 459 were constructed to meet in the heart of Hoover. The $300 million Riverchase Galleria was built in 1986 and rapidly became the state's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment center.