The Historical

Todd County Courthouse

Todd County's Confederate courthouse was built at the direction of Major John Gray, and completed in 1835. Bricks used were fired on the site. The construction of the courthouse which occupies the center square in Elkton, was authorized by the Fiscal Court, Tuesday, November 11, 1834, at which time they arranged for the selection of a building site. The Commisioners further mandated the county to meet the cost in three payments, the first of which would come from unappropriated funds, which were being held by the sherrif. Thereafter, the balance would be remitted in two equal payments.      Jesse Russell, of Elkton, was employed to supervise the construction, along with Commisioner Hazel Petrie.  There are two accounts of the building of the walls.  Russell is said to have hired four brickmasons, each of whom was to construct a wall: the mason with the best wall was to recieve a gold watch. In another account,

Jesse Russell and another brick mason were said to have boasted on their masonry skills. To settle the dispute, each was told to build a wall. Each man bet upon himself and Russell's wall was superior. The building was completed in 1835.  In 1865, Union troops occupied the Confederate courthouse  and later used it as headquarters. After the courthouse was abandoned, the Union troops left the buiding in shambles.  The distruction of such a structure brought anger to Todd Countians and six years later, an extensive remodeling project was completed which totally restored the Courthouse.      The town clock was purchased by the city and county in 1888. The Clock tower was added at a later time period, during the stick style period, which explains for the mis-match of styles.  During another restoration project in 1975 the courthouse was designated as a National Historic Landmark.  The house is also protected by the National Park Service  which states that the structure will be re-built or assitance will be provided if any person(s) or groups attemt to have the structure destroyed.      In 1961 city officials had the outside woodwork painted and the clock tower painted white. The clock tower was not originally white but instead an array of different mute colors.  The tower was originally painted grey, beige, and olive green. The interior was unfortunetly stripped of all historical moldings and architectural profiles. In 1981 all of the  lighting was replaced with flourescent fixtures which have now been replaced with modern chandeliers.      Local citizens have supported the return of the interior to its original state in the 1800's.   In the following years the court out-grew the courthouse and moved to a new location. The Courthouse has survived over 150 years of  natural and mostly man-made disasters.  The building remains as a symbol of our forefather's industry and civic responsibility. Through careful planning and stewardship, this wonderful example of Todd County history can serve future generations while remaining a standing legacy.  Today the Courthouse is being restored to its former self.  The latest additions to the old courthouse are air-conditioning and new oak flooring.