National Register Listing

Gibson County Courthouse

Court Sq., Trenton, TN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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.

law courthouses buildings
Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park covers over 500,000 acres and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Tennessee random facts
Gibson County, located in Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 18th century. The county was established in 1823 and named after Colonel John H. Gibson, a prominent soldier in the War of 1812. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Chickasaw Nation.

In the early 1800s, settlers began to migrate into Gibson County, drawn by the fertile lands and the promise of new opportunities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the backbone of the county's economy, with many plantations dotting the landscape. Slavery played a significant role in the county's early development, as enslaved individuals were heavily relied upon for labor.

During the Civil War, Gibson County experienced the devastating effects of the conflict. The Battle of Trenton, fought in December 1862, took place in the county and resulted in Union forces gaining control. The war brought destruction and loss to many residents, but the county slowly recovered in the following years.

In the decades that followed, Gibson County experienced periods of growth and change. The county saw advancements in transportation, with the arrival of railroads and the construction of highways. Education also became a focus, with the establishment of schools and colleges. Today, Gibson County remains a thriving community with a diverse economy and a commitment to preserving its history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gibson County, Tennessee.

  • 1823 - Gibson County is established and named after Colonel John H. Gibson.
  • 1824 - Trenton is designated as the county seat of Gibson County.
  • 1835 - The Jackson and Memphis Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1859 - Gibson County becomes a significant producer of cotton, with over 26,000 bales produced in the county that year.
  • 1861-1865 - Gibson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The first newspaper in Gibson County, the Trenton Gazette, is published.
  • 1889 - Gibson County's population reaches over 27,000 residents.
  • 1900 - The city of Humboldt is incorporated.
  • 1933 - Gibson County experiences severe flooding due to heavy rains and the failure of nearby levees.
  • 1940s - Gibson County contributes significantly to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1986 - The Discovery Park of America is established in Union City, becoming a popular attraction for locals and tourists.
  • 2003 - The Gibson County Special School District is created to serve the educational needs of the county.