The Old Wilcox County Courthouse in Camden is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture in Alabama and it serves as the historic centerpiece of downtown Camden. The courthouse was completed around 1857–1858, replacing a two-story wooden structure that had served the county since the seat moved from Canton Bend to Barboursville (renamed Camden in 1841). It was built by Alexander J. Bragg, a prominent local contractor. Bragg was the brother of John Bragg, who built the famous Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in Mobile.
The building is a classic Greek Revival red-brick structure. Its most defining features are the four massive Doric columns, and the distinctive balustrade wrought iron steps that lead to the central doorway on the second floor. An addition was added to the rear in 1983, designed to blend with the original architecture.
In 1977–1978, a modern “Courthouse Annex” was constructed nearby to handle the increasing judicial needs of the county. This new building currently houses the probate, district, and circuit courts. However, the historic old courthouse building remains in active use, primarily housing county administrative offices and the Wilcox County Public Library. The old courthouse underwent significant restoration in the late 20th century.
During the Civil War in 1865, Union forces moved through the area and ransacked the courthouse. However, local legend (and historical accounts) states that county officials were warned in advance and moved the vital records to a safe location. The most popular version of the story is that the records were buried in a coffin in a nearby cemetery or behind a local residence to keep them from being burned or seized.
The courthouse was recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in 1937, with photographs now archived in the Library of Congress. It was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 18, 1979.
This courthouse is located at downtown Camden, AL (Google Maps – 31.991438, -87.289105).
Sources: 1) Wilcox Historical Society 2) NRHP “Wilcox County Courthouse Historic District” Inventory-Nomination Form.
B&W photographs courtesy U. S. Library of Congress (HABS), photographer: Alex Bush, date: January 8, 1937.