Carrollton in Pickens County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Pickens County Courthouse
Erected 1877-78
Photographed By Tim Carr, April 19, 2008
1. Pickens County Courthouse Marker
Inscription.
Pickens County Courthouse. Erected 1877-78. Pickens County, named for General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, was established December 19, 1820. First County Site was Pickensville. On March 5, 1830, the government awarded 80 acres of land at Carrollton for the County Site. The first courthouse erected at Carrollton was burned on April 5, 1865, by troops of Union General John T. Croxton. A freedman, Henry Wells, was accused of burning the second on November 16, 1876. He was arrested in January, 1878, and held in the garret of this building. Legend holds that as Wells peered out the North window at a mob gathering below, lightning struck nearby, indelibly etching his image on the pane.
Pickens County, named for General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, was established December 19, 1820. First County Site was Pickensville. On March 5, 1830, the government awarded 80 acres of land at Carrollton for the County Site. The first courthouse erected at Carrollton was burned on April 5, 1865, by troops of Union General John T. Croxton. A freedman, Henry Wells, was accused of burning the second on November 16, 1876. He was arrested in January, 1878, and held in the garret of this building. Legend holds that as Wells peered out the North window at a mob gathering below, lightning struck nearby, indelibly etching his image on the pane.
Erected 1974 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1878.
Location. 33° 15.714′ N, 88° 5.7′ W. Marker is in Carrollton, Alabama, in Pickens County. Marker is at the intersection of Court Square North on Court Square North. Marker located on the north side of the Courthouse Square. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carrollton AL 35447, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker,
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,230 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
