Independence County Courthouse

This site has been the location of three Independence County courthouses. The first, built in 1857, was destroyed by fire in the 1880's and replaced by a Gothic style structure. Batesville's finest example of Art Deco style building construction, this courthouse was constructed in 1940 by Works Progress Administration and has a Batesville marble exterior. It continues to serve the citizens of Independence County as the seat of government.
 

First County Court House

The town of Batesville was selected as the county seat and the first county court house built in 1821, a year after the county was organized

Independence Bell
Authorized 1857. Manufactured 1858. First used 1859. Ringing out from Independence County's second courthouse. The first on this site. This bell summoned citizens to meetings warned them of danger and called them to celebrate. Today it continues to symbolize our county's great heritage.

Designed by J.W. Cummings



M.L. Arnold, County Judge
Jas. Rutherford, C.C.
FRank Joblin, Conractor
A.D. 1892

Cornerstone inscription:
D.D. Adams, County Judge
County Commissioners
G.W. Barnett
Arch Jones
W.J. Freeze
Desha Lester
H.T. Hankins
A.B. Weaver

Wittenberg & Delony, Architects


Independence County Court House erected A.D. 1940

Works Projects Administration