National Register Listing

Old Monroe County Courthouse

a.k.a. Monroe County Courthouse

Courthouse Sq., Monroeville, AL
Local significance of the building:
Literature; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

literature politics government architecture law courthouses buildings
The University of Alabama was the site of one of the most dramatic moments in college football history. In 1970, legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant walked onto the field during a game against Southern California and ordered his team to remove their helmets as a sign of respect for the recent passing of USC's coach.
Alabama random facts
Monroe County, located in southern Alabama, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous Native American tribes, such as the Choctaw and Creek, who lived off the land and left behind traces of their culture and existence.

The county was officially established in 1815 and named after President James Monroe. In its early years, Monroe County saw steady growth with the construction of roads and ferries, which facilitated trade and transportation. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's development, with cotton becoming the dominant crop and leading to the rise of a plantation economy.

During the Civil War, Monroe County became a strategic point due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast. The county witnessed intense fighting, with several significant battles taking place, such as the Battle of Canebrake and the Battle of Old Texas. Many homes and properties were destroyed during this time, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.

In the post-war years, Monroe County saw a transition from an agricultural economy to a more diversified one. The arrival of the timber industry brought about economic growth, providing employment opportunities for the local population. Today, Monroe County preserves its heritage through various historical sites and museums, allowing visitors to explore its past while also embracing the present.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Monroe County, Alabama.

  • 1815 - Monroe County, Alabama, is established as one of the original 13 counties formed by the Alabama Territorial General Assembly.
  • 1820 - The county seat is established in Claiborne, which later becomes an important center for commerce and trade.
  • 1833 - The Treaty of Cusseta is signed, leading to the forced removal of Creek Native Americans from the area.
  • 1834 - The first permanent courthouse is constructed in the newly established county seat of Monroeville.
  • 1861-1865 - Monroe County endures the hardships and devastation caused by the American Civil War.
  • 1930s - Monroeville gains national attention as author Harper Lee, a native of the town, sets her famous novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" in a fictionalized version of Monroeville.
  • 1941-1945 - Monroe County residents support the war effort during World War II, both on the home front and through military service.
  • 1960s - Monroeville and Monroe County become involved in the Civil Rights Movement, with significant events, protests, and demonstrations taking place.
  • 1990s - The Monroe County Heritage Museum is established to preserve and showcase the history and culture of the county.