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Built 1824
215 East Market Street, Bolivar, TN 38008
The Pillars & The Little Courthouse
Hardeman County APTA
P.O. Box 148
Bolivar, TN 38008
731-518-7148
 
Black History at The Little Courthouse in Bolivar!
Featuring: Mr. Archie Williams
February 14 - March 7, 2009
$5.00 for Adults and $2.00 for Children, or a donation.
Children in school groups are free.
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
School groups during the week by appointment-call 731-764-6243
Celebrating Black History
Appointments for special tours may be made-
Cissye Pierce: 731-764-6243
Map to The Little Courthouse
Click on the MAP and you can get driving directions
from where you live!
Quest for Black Citizenship in America: February 14, - March 7, 2009
Historic Bolivar Home Tour: April 18-19, 2009
At the Little Courthouse Museum, 215 Market Street East, 2 blocks from Courthouse Square
Bolivar, Hardeman County TN February 14 – March 7, 2009
Hours: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
School groups during the week by appointment.
Phone: Cissye Pierce at (731) 764-6243
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To
Schedule Special Tours
or for more information...
Contact Us:
Cissye Pierce: 731-764-6243
or e-mail:
Dianne Mumford
Paula Stanley
History of The Little Courthouse . . .
Hardeman county was one of the counties formed in 1823 from the Chickasaw Indian Territory purchased in 1818. The county was named after Thomas Jones Hardeman, early settler and the first county clerk. Hatchie Town on the Hatchie River was later moved to higher ground. In 1823 the town name was changed to Bolivar honoring the South American liberator, General Simon Bolivar.
The county seat was established in Bolivar and a courthouse was built in 1824. This two story 20 foot by 30 foot log building contained a courtroom downstairs and a jail room above. Within two years it was evident that more room was needed. When the new courthouse was built in 1827 the log courthouse was moved several blocks down East Market Street. During the Civil War the union Army burned the 1827 brick county courthouse. Citizens were given time to remove records and artifacts which until the third county courthouse was built in 1868. That building was enlarged and updated in the 1950's and is still in use by the Hardeman County Courts.
The 1824 log courthouse became the nucleus of a home for the Levi Joy family. Next, Judge Barry purchased the log building house. In 1849 his widow sold the house to Dr. Thomas E. Moore. He made extensive additions including painted weatherboard siding, shutters and additional rooms. His family resided in the house for over 100 years. The descendants of his granddaughter, Miss Jennie Hardaway, sold the house to the county in 1967.
The group of historical minded citizens restored the building. The authentic early original interiors have been returned to the old logs. The courtroom is furnished with benches and chairs from the early days of the third courthouse. currently the Little Courthouse is leased to APTA and managed by volunteers. Docents are available to tell the story of Hardeman County and it's historic artifacts.
Points Of Interest . . . The Bolivar historic district features examples of early architecture. There are 118 buildings on the historical register, including The Pillars, The Columns, McNeal Place, St. James Chapel, the Presbyterian Church, Magnolia Manor, Levi Joy House and the Little Courthouse Museum.
The Hardeman County Fairgrounds and Arena are located west of Bolivar. The fair sponsors many events, including circuses, mud derbies, demolition derbies and the Hardeman County Fair itself. The arena hosts IPRA-sanctioned rodeos, as well as calf ropings and cow pennings.
Hatchie River is a designated scenic river which runs across the county, offering a hunter's and fisherman's paradise. More than 20 watershed lakes, ranging in size from 10 to 78 acres each, have been constructed and stocked with game fish.
Also in the area are Ames Plantation, Shiloh National Military Park, Chickasaw State Park, National Bird Dog Museum.
Please contact us if you see any errors on this site.
Errors or changes should be addressed to the
Webmaster,
Barbara
Chambers-Hensley.
Last Updated
01/09/2009
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