Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Jefferson County Courthouse Site
Photographed By Tim Carr, July 3, 2009
1. Jefferson County Courthouse Site Marker
The county seat of Jefferson County was moved from Elyton to Birmingham in 1873. On this site stood the first Courthouse in the City of Birmingham. The Italianate style structure was designed by architect W. K. Ball. Completed in 1875, the two-story red brick building cost $30,500. In 1887 it was condemned as unsafe, and a new Courthouse was planned.
Reverse:
In 1889 a second Jefferson County Courthouse was constructed on this site. Charles Wheelock and Sons of Birmingham and H. Wolters of Louisville were the architects. Charles Pearce of Indianapolis was contractor. Constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the four-story brick building had a central clock tower rising 180 feet. Total cost was $300,000. This Courthouse served Jefferson County until 1931 when a new Courthouse was built several blocks to the north. The structure was razed in 1937.
Erected 1991 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Landmarks. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 33° 31.038′ N, 86° 48.342′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Concord Center (a few steps from this marker); Title Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dewberry Drugs and Phenix Insurance Company Buildings (about 600 feet away); The Berry Project (about 600 feet away); Clark Building (about 700 feet away); Temple Wilson Tutwiler, II / Tutwiler Hotel (about 700 feet away); South at the White House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Photographed By Tim Carr, July 3, 2009
2. Jefferson County Courthouse Site Marker reverse
circa 1910
3. Jefferson County Courthouse
Photographed By Tim Carr, 0703/2009
4. Concord Center built on the site of the former Jefferson County Courthouses
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,613 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 3. submitted on October 6, 2013. 4. submitted on February 1, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
