Pulaski in Giles County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Giles County Courthouses
In its colorful history the county of Giles has had six courthouses to serve its citizens. These buildings have included a “log structure with dirt floor,” at Kirk's Settlement, also known as the Shoals on Richland Creek (the 1810 courthouse - Courthouse #1); a courthouse “erected of round logs, covered with boards,” on the site of the present public square (the 1811 courthouse - Courthouse #2); “a substantial two-story brick courthouse” (Courthouse #3, 1815); a larger building, for the building it replaced proved “too small to conduct the business of the growing county” (courthouse # 4, ca. 1854); “a two-story brick structure with four entrances, surrounded by a handsome iron fence with hitching posts and horse-blocks” (Courthouse #5, ca. 1859); and finally, the present courthouse (Courthouse #6), dedicated in 1909.
This current courthouse has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a “National Treasure.” While each of these courthouses has served its purpose, perhaps #5 (1859) and #6 (1909) have been the most impressive. The fifth one had a nice clock and bell in its tower, donated by Henry M. Spofford in 1880. These gifts were a source of great pride for local citizens. The bell would sound out the time and also served as a fire alarm.
Regarding the 6th (current) courthouse, the door handles at all four entrances are solid brass and are inscribed “Giles County.” On the eastern gable of the courthouse is inscribed “Giles County Court House, Erected by the People, Dedicated to Justice”. Perhaps this inscription can serve as a moniker for all of Giles County's courthouses.
Erected by City of Pulaski.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.
Location. 35° 11.706′ N, 87° 1.733′ W. Marker is in Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County. Marker can be reached from South Sam Davis Avenue south of East College Street. Marker is in overlook behind recreation center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 333 East College Street, Pulaski TN 38478, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Count Casimir Pulaski (1747-1779) (here, next to this marker); Establishment of Pulaski / Giles County (here, next to this marker); Native Americans in Giles County (here, next to this marker); Pulaski Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail of Tears (within shouting distance of this marker); Nunahi-Duna-Dlo-Hily-I (within shouting distance of this marker); The Benge Route (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Trail of Tears Interpretive Center (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pulaski.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 9, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.