Virtual Courthouse

1860: Courthouse constructed of 400,000 locally-manufactured bricks

In 1860, the Courthouse was constructed according to Judge Charles Ames' specifications. Although Ames' design followed that of his 'ideal', the "Little Virginia" courthouse in Marshall, Ames modified the footprint from that of a 50' X 50' cube to a more roomy 50' X 60' rectangular configuration.

The building was constructed of some 400,000 bricks formed of clay mined locally and fired into bricks by Mr. Veal at a factory located "on the spring-fed branch at the foot of Main Street." The pits where the clay was mined have been tentatively identified on aerial photographs, and archaeological research is being conducted to locate the site of the brick factory.

The brick walls are quite robust -- nearly three feet thick at the base!

The original roof was made of shingles.

The cupola closely resembled that of the "Little Virginia" "model courthouse".

It is likely that the courthouse was put into use as soon as the roof was on and the window and door openings were filled.