Elba in Coffee County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Historic Court Square

Photographed by David J Gaines, March 31, 2012

1. Historic Court Square Marker

Inscription. The first Coffee County Courthouse was at Wellborn and burned in 1851. This site given by John B. Simmons when Elba was selected the county seat polling 58 more votes than Indigo Head (Clintonville) in a county election on October 5, 1852. The first building erected on this site was a two story frame structure burned by Ward’s Raiders, September 3, 1863. A new courthouse was completed in 1867. This building served Coffee County until 1881 and was sold at auction. A third building completed in 1881 was enlarged in 1899. Failing to meet the needs of Coffee County, it was replaced by the present courthouse in 1903. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 1974 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 3, 1780.

Location. 31° 24.83′ N, 86° 3.951′ W. Marker is in Elba, Alabama, in Coffee County. It is on U.S. 84, on the right when traveling west. Located in the SW of the courthouse lawn. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elba AL 36323, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Wiregrass.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Elba Lodge #170 AF & AM (about 300

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feet away, measured in a direct line); Folsom Birthplace (about 400 feet away); First United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Folsom Estate (about 500 feet away); City of Elba (about 600 feet away); Mulberry Heights School (approx. one mile away); Evergreen Cemetery (approx. 1.4 miles away); Gravesite of Mrs. Alberta Martin, the "Last Link to Dixie" (approx. 5½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elba.

Photographed by David J Gaines, March 31, 2012

2. Historic Court Square Marker

Historic Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David J Gaines, March 31, 2012

3. Historic Courthouse

Historic Court Square Marker with new fountain. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James L.Whitman, September 3, 2022

4. Historic Court Square Marker with new fountain.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,369 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2012, by David J Gaines of Pinson, Alabama. 4. submitted on September 4, 2022, by James L.Whitman of Eufaula, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.