Perry County was created by an act of the Legislature of the newly formed State of Alabama on December 13, 1819. The first courthouse, a log cabin, was erected at Perry Ridge, seven miles southeast of present-day Marion. It was soon decided that a more centrally located county seat was needed. In 1823 a two-story log cabin was erected on the site of the present courthouse. It was described as “a peculiar looking building having the appearance of a smokehouse with windows.” This courthouse was replaced with a modest brick building.
In 1854, construction began on the present courthouse, and it was completed in 1856. This building is an example of a Greek Revival Temple Architecture. The courthouse was designed by Benjamin Parsons who was from Massachusetts. Larkin Tarrant of Marion was the builder. On both the front and back, the building has a two-story portico with six Ionic columns supporting massive pediments.
Originally at the center of each side of the building were oval stair towers containing curving staircases with marble steps. The floors of the building were black and white marble from Bibb County, AL. The building was renovated in 1954. The oval stair towers were replaced with two-story wings on each side to provide more office space. The marble flooring was replaced with tile. The entire building was painted white because there was no way to match the handmade bricks that were on the original building.
Marion has four Historic Districts listed on the National Register of Historic Place which contain over 70 antebellum buildings. The courthouse is the centerpiece of Marion Courthouse Square Historic District.
This courthouse is located at downtown Marion (32.632944,-87.318917 – Google Maps).
Sources: 1) Perry County Heritage, Volume II; 2) Images of America, Perry County, by Eleanor C. Drake
B&W Photograph courtesy U. S. Library of Congress, Photographer: Alex Bush, Date: February 20,1935.