The
First Courthouse was built on the current site
in 1807 from the proceeds of the sales of lots in Mercer at a cost of $7,116. The
courthouse was a square structure of brick, two stories high, with wings on the east and
west sides of the first story. The lower story was occupied by the court room. The upper
story was divided into jury rooms and the wings housed the county offices. In 1840 the
wings were taken down and large additions were made at a cost of $1,500. The building was
then destroyed by fire in 1866, but all official records were saved from the fire.
The
Second Courthouse was built immediately after
the first Courthouse burned down at a cost of $100,000. It was made of red brick with
stone trimmings and was surmounted by a belfry to which was later added a town clock. This
Courthouse then burned down in December 1907. All official records were saved from the
fire.
The
Present Courthouse was erected in 1909 at a
cost of approximately $500,000. The contractor suffered a huge loss since he had bid it at
$324,000. The architect was Charles F. Owsley.
