Coosa County history, Coosa County Courthouse
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Coosa County Stories
The Alabama Legislature created Coosa County on December 18, 1932, using land obtained through the Creek Indian Treaty of Cusseta earlier that year on March 24. The county’s original boundaries covered a much larger area than present-day Coosa County, including most of what later became Elmore County in 1866.
The act that established Coosa County described its borders beginning at the Montgomery line near Wetumpka Falls on the Coosa River, running upriver to the line dividing Coffee’s and Freeman’s surveys, then east to the township line separating ranges 20 and 21, south to the three-mile stake of township 18, west to the Montgomery corner, and continuing west to the starting point.
Three early settlers – Washington Campbell, William Lovelady and Archibald Downing – were appointed as commissioners, but organizational efforts were delayed by the conflict between the U.S. government and the Creek Nation following the Cusseta treaty. Significant progress did not occur until 1834, when a new act passed on November 28, 1833, appointed four additional commissioners: Alfred Mahan, Larkin Cleveland, Simeon Chapman, and George Taylor.
They selected a county seat on the south side of Hatchawadega Creek and named it Lexington, about 25 miles north of Wetumpka. Controversy followed, and after a revote the Legislature selected Rockford as the seat on January 9,1835.
The name “Rockford” was chosen for its numerous springs, rolling hills and extensive granite formations. Although not the most populous community, it was centrally located. The decision was challenged again, but after an election and another legislative act in 1839-1840, Rockford retained its status as the county seat.
In August 1836, county commissioners authorized the payment of $525.75 to Richard Plunket to construct the first courthouse, a two-story wooden building near the site of today’s courthouse. The county supplied the materials. The ground floor housed the county officials, while the courtroom occupied the second floor.
A county jail was completed in 1842 near the courthouse, and this structure still stands with few alterations as the Coosa County Historical Old Jail Museum and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A new courthouse was built in 1858. This two-story antebellum building stood flush with the sidewalk, an uncommon design for courthouses of the time. Its walls were 18 inches thick, constructed from local handmade bricks. Patrick Coniff was paid $10,433 for the project.
Between 1906 and 1908, more than $10,000 worth of improvements were made, including additions to the front and rear and the installation of brass domes on each front corner. Further renovations in 1922 totaled $25,000 and included major repairs, structural changes, painting, and the purchase of a fireproof vault – an investment that later proved invaluable.
On the evening of January 25, 1925, tragedy struck when the courthouse caught fire and was nearly destroyed. Surveyors (possibly gambling and drinking) using an upstairs office heated by a stove were believed to have caused the blaze.
The second floor burned first, leaving only the exterior walls. The brass domes collapsed into the flames and were never replaced. Sheriff R.O. Snider organized a water brigade to protect the building and nearby structures.
Thanks to the earlier purchase of the fireproof vault – an unpopular expenditure at the time that probably cost the commissioner his reelection – most county records survived.
During reconstruction, court sessions were held in the high school, and other county offices were temporarily relocated.
Rebuilding began quickly with a $40,000 contract awarded to a builder named Mr. Walker. The courthouse exterior was plastered to cover fire damage and painted white. French architect Frank Cuniff designed the double wrought-iron staircases that now grace the front of the building.
Additional renovations costing approximately $250,000 occurred in 1969-1970 under Probate Judge Mac Thomas. The interior was modernized, an annex was added, the courtyard improved, and handmade local bricks were used on the exterior, while preserving the building’s original architectural style. The courthouse transitioned from its stucco white finish to a natural brick appearance.
Prior to 2015, the county invested roughly $400,000 in exterior repainting, a new roof, insulated privacy glass windows, and renovated restrooms. Since 2015, ongoing maintenance and modest updates have continued to improve the offices and courtroom.
It is said that when the courthouse stands quiet and empty, one can still hear the faint tapping of a typewriter or the creaking of footsteps – perhaps echoes of the officials who once walked its halls. The courthouse remains a cherished landmark for Coosa County.
The historical society hopes to see the building and its offices further modernized with professional design, while preserving the historic exterior. And perhaps, one day, the domes will rise again.
