The historic Jackson County, Alabama courthouse square is included on the National Registry of Historical Places. In the introduction to their 1981 submission for inclusion in the National Registry, Ann Chambless and Judy Proctor noted:
The Scottsboro Public Square has served as the political center of Jackson County since 1870, when the county seat was moved from Bellefonte. Like most of the county seats of this period, the courthouse sits on a central square with the major commercial structures of the county surrounding it. The sparsity of early construction,the late date of many of the buildings, and the concentration of structures built in the 1930s reflect economic conditions of the county, particularly the impact that the Tennessee Valley Authority had on the economy. All of the buildings are very plain and reflect the architectural choices of the poorer rural communities of Alabama in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Courthouse, although somewhat remodeled,is significant as the site of the first of the internationally famous Scottsboro Boys trials. Of the 46 buildings in the district, 26 are considered to contribute to the significance of the district; 12 are considered to be marginally contributing or non-intrusive; and 8 are considered to be intrusive.
To see information about the individual buildings on the square, learn about their architectural characteristics and history, and see photos of them in the past, click on the building. To see what this building is called, move your mouse pointer over the building or location.
Note that this application is under development, and your participation is writing our history is welcomed. Please address your corrections and contributions by email to jcha@scottsboro.org or by US Mail to JCHA, PO Box 1494, Scottsboro, AL 35768-1494. Please note that we are soliciting not only fact, but also personal remembrances of these venues.
