Courthouse and South Side of Square

Courthouse and South Side of Square. . Top row, left to right: , . The first Limestone County Courthouse was a log structure completed in the early 1820s. The second courthouse, constructed ca. 1825 of brick, was used only until 1831, when the walls began to crack and collapse. It was sold for $505, dismantled, and moved away. The third courthouse, built in 1836, was burned in 1864 by Union soldiers. Only the outside walls remained. In 1866 Hiram H. Higgins drew plans for a new courthouse to be built within the standing walls of the burned-out courthouse. , . This courthouse, completed in 1869, was constructed within the walls of the 1836 building. It was torn down in 1916 to make way for the present structure. The water tower, located on the southwest corner of the square, was erected in 1897. The Presbyterian Church moved to its present location in 1894. This photo appears to have been taken on Farmer's Day. , . A closer view of the 1869 courthouse shows the canopy covering the public well on the lawn. Many people gathered here to conduct their business and to meet their friends and neighbors. , . The current courthouse was occupied ca. 1919. Ater the original contractor had money problems, wood replaced some of the steel joists and a cheaper floor covering was selected, but the changes did not mar the beauty of the building's Palladian style. , . A remodeled courthouse shows cosmetic alterations. The building received minor changes for the second time in 1974., Bottom row, left to right: , . In 1897 W. T. McDonald sold this livery stable to J. W. Tilman. Shown above is McDonald and his son, John. Rob and Bob Hardy are standing with a matched pair of horses named Vandy and Dandy. , . A view of Washington Street in 1973. , . A street scene on the south side of the square after 1919.