Stone County, located in the state of Arkansas, boasts of having three consecutive courthouses in its history. Each courthouse building tells a different story of Stein County’s past. With unique architecture and historical significance, the courthouses deserve a visit to learn about the county’s history. Here is a tour of the consecutive Stone County courthouses.
The First Courthouse in Stone County
In 1873, the first courthouse in Stone County was built in the town of Mountain View. This first courthouse was a small, wooden structure that served the county for twenty years. During its operation, the courthouse served as the primary location for legal services, county government offices, and community meetings. Although this first courthouse was relatively small, it played a crucial role in establishing Stone County’s government and community.
The Second Courthouse – A Shift In Architecture
In 1893, the second courthouse was built in Mountain View, designed by the architecture firm of Warren and Son of Little Rock. The second courthouse was an upgrade from the first one and had a unique Romanesque Revival style. This courthouse was made of brick and stone and had two courtrooms, a grand staircase, and a bell tower. The courthouse served the county until the 1930s when the newer courthouse was completed.
The second courthouse was significant as it diverged from the previous courthouse’s traditional design. The building’s unique Romanesque Revival style was rare in Arkansas in the 1800s, making this courthouse distinct from similar buildings in the region.
The Third Courthouse – A Return to Tradition
The third and present courthouse in Stone County was designed by Little Rock architects Goodwin & Dossett and built-in 1932, replacing the second courthouse. The current courthouse sits in the same location as its predecessors, on Court Square in Mountain View. However, the courthouse’s design reflected the traditional architecture of the county.
The courthouse is a two-story, red brick building with white trimmings and has Ionic columns. The courthouse has the traditional design of most courthouses built in the early 1900s, with a central rotunda and a grand staircase leading to the second floor.
Over the years, the courthouse building has gone through several renovations to maintain its structure and accommodate new offices. In 2018, the Stone County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Courthouses Today
Today, the three consecutive courthouses in Stone County represent the county’s evolution and development through time. Although the first courthouse is no longer standing, the second courthouse and the current courthouse have been preserved to represent Stone County’s history.
The courthouse buildings remain an essential part of the community, and people can visit the courthouses to learn more about the county’s history and observe legal proceedings.
Plan a tour of the Consecutive Stone County Courthouses
A visit to Mountain View to tour the Stone County Courthouses is a unique opportunity for tourists and history buffs. Visitors can take a tour of the courthouse buildings, speak with knowledgeable tour guides, and explore the community’s history.
A visit to the Stone County Courthouses can also be combined with other attractions in the area, including the Ozark Folk Center, Blanchard Springs Caverns, and other beautiful historic sites in North Central Arkansas.
Conclusion
The Stone County Courthouse buildings have played a significant role in the county’s development, community, and legal proceedings. Although the first courthouse is no longer standing, the second and current courthouse stand as a testament to Stone County’s rich history and architecture.
A visit to the Stone County Courthouses is a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Arkansas’s history and take a tour of one of the state’s most significant historic landmarks.