The Courthouse Through the Years
Stepping into the Knox County Courthouse is like taking a trip back in time. Built in 1886, the courthouse at 300 Main Street in Knoxville, Tennessee, has seen a lot of history. It served as Knox County’s courthouse until 1980. It still houses several county departments, and Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, is buried on its lawn.
Over the years, it has been the seat of many important events and decisions, a testament to its crucial role in the county’s political history.
The courthouse has witnessed several transformations since its inception. The county’s first courthouse, completed circa 1793, was deemed an eyesore and was soon burned down, much to the delight of the city’s residents.
The second courthouse, built around 1797, had its share of quirks and character, with dusty windows, well-whittled door-jambs, and gloomy walls. It served as the setting for the George Washington Harris short story, “Eaves-Dropping a Lodge of Free-Masons.” However, by the 1830s, it had deteriorated, prompting calls for its replacement.
The third courthouse, a Federal-style structure with Greek Revival elements, was completed in 1842. The fourth courthouse was constructed in 1884 at $82,000. It included a 2,500-pound bell and was considered fireproof, a significant upgrade from its predecessors.
The building has been modernized and updated several times, enhancing its stature and charm.
The Beauty of the Architecture
The Knox County Courthouse is a place of law and order and a marvel of architectural design. The courthouse, a substantial 2.5-story edifice made of brick, boasts a commanding clock tower exhibiting Colonial influences, while Gothic elements can be admired in the design of the balcony and porch.
Over the years, the interior has seen numerous changes, but the essence of the old architecture remains. There’s something about the courthouse that modern buildings can’t replicate: the charm of the red brick, the grandeur of the clock tower, and the nostalgia of a different era.
It’s an integral part of Knoxville’s skyline, a reminder of the city’s rich history and role in shaping the present.
A Venue for Historical Moments
The Knox County Courthouse has been the backdrop for many historical moments. In 1889, a group headed by the then Tennessee Governor, Robert Love Taylor, undertook the mission of moving the final resting place of John Sevier, the state’s first governor, to the courthouse’s lawn.
Later, A monument was placed on the grave in 1893, marking an important moment in the state’s history. The courthouse has also been featured in literature and music, from Cormac McCarthy’s novels to the Hank Williams Jr. song “Knoxville Courthouse Blues.”
In 1917, suffragist Maud Younger defied a sheriff’s order to keep her out of the courthouse and delivered a rousing speech from its steps to a crowd of 500, marking a pivotal moment in the women’s suffrage movement.
These moments have shaped not only the history of the courthouse but also the city and its residents, etching their marks into the fabric of Knoxville’s heritage.
The Courthouse Today
Today, the Knox County Courthouse symbolizes the city’s resilience and commitment to preserving its history. Many county offices, including the county clerk’s office, are still housed in the building.
While the City-County Building, completed in 1980, has taken over some of its functions, the old courthouse still stands as a beacon of the city’s past, its history echoing in its halls.
The courthouse lawn, once the site of historical speeches and public gatherings, is now a quiet spot in the city center, inviting passersby to take a moment to appreciate the grand old structure and the history it represents.
Final Reflections
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the historical gems in the backyard. The Knox County Courthouse is one such treasure. Its red brick walls, imposing clock tower, and the stories it carries are reminders of Knoxville’s journey through the ages.
It is more than just a courthouse; it’s a symbol of the city’s past, a witness to its growth, and an inspiration for its future. As you walk its halls, listen to the echoes of the past, and feel the pulse of the present, you’ll realize that the Knox County Courthouse is not just a building—it’s a living, breathing part of Knoxville’s story.
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