Historic Courthouse

Shortly after Walton County was created in Dec. 1818, court was held in a cow barn. Other buildings served as seat of government until the county's first courthouse was completed in 1823. That building served until 1845, when another courthouse was built. Walton County's third courthouse was completed in 1884. The original clock tower and dome were destroyed by a tornado in 1885. The courthouse roof remained flat until the current tower was added in 1907. The building underwent major restorations in 1933, 1969, and 1996. In the last restoration, the large courtroom on the second floor was restored, and the purpose of the courthouse was changed from a general-purpose county government building to a facility for holding superior court trials. The superior court judge, clerk of superior court, and sheriff remained in the old courthouse, while other county officials moved to courthouse annexes and other buildings bordering the courthouse square. With the completion of the new Walton County Government Building in 2004, state and county courts and most county government offices moved to the new facility. Since then, the old courthouse has continued to house a few county offices, including the parks and recreation department, bailiff, and senior superior court judge. The restored superior court courtroom on the second floor is used for public meetings and hearings.

The cornerstone of this beautiful building was laid on February 14, 1883. The building had no lighting and was heated by 12 fireplaces. It was built in the Second Empire Victorian style that was popular during the time. Because it was during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant it was often referred to as "General Grant Style." It was designed by the architectural firm of Bruce and Morgan of Atlanta and constructed by Mr. James Smith of Sparta.

The original clock tower and dome of the courthouse were destroyed in 1885 by a tornado. The courthouse remained with a flat roof until the current tower was constructed in 1907. In 1910 the four clock faces, the bell and the clock motor were added. The bell and motor were made by the E. Howard Clock Company and the 42" solid bronze bell is one of the largest in the state. The motor was weight driven when originally installed but was eventually replaced with electricity.

In 1933 the Works Progress Administration began a $33,000 renovation on the building. Terrazzoo was placed in all downstairs halls except at the back of Grand Hall, which had been closed in for an office in the 1920's. The original balcony was removed and replaced with one with a larger seating capacity and offices were built below. Red and black asbestos tiles were installed over all heart pine floors in the courtroom and first floor, and all original courtroom railings, benches and porch rails were removed and Neo Classical replacements were added.

The courthouse was again remodeled in 1969 as well as in 1995. On June 23, 1996 the restored historic courthouse was rededicated and is used today for county offices.