Area 2.8 acres (1.1 ha) Architect Xavier A. Kramer Phone +1 601-928-5266 | Built 1917-18 Reference no. 131-WIG-0001-ML Designated as world heritage site 23 July 1996 | |
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Location 323 East Cavers Avenue
Wiggins, Mississippi 39577 Governing body Stone County, Mississippi Address 323 E Cavers Ave, Wiggins, MS 39577, USA | ||
The Stone County Courthouse was constructed in 1917-18 and serves as the seat of county government for Stone County, Mississippi. The courthouse was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1996.
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History
Stone County was created by the Mississippi Legislature in 1916. One of the first acts by the new county’s Board of Supervisors was to award a contract for construction of the county courthouse. Constructed by Standard Construction Company of Meridian, Mississippi, the courthouse was completed in March 1918, at a cost of US$29,515.18 (equivalent to $469,955 in 2016). Within the two-story structure, the lower floor was divided into county offices, and the upper floor served as the courtroom. Offices of the sheriff, tax collector, circuit clerk, and chancery clerk were once located on the first floor. The courthouse was used continuously throughout the 20th century, with modifications that included first-floor extensions on each end of the building.
By the year 2000, the courthouse was in need of renovation. It received a Community Heritage Preservation Grant in 2002 and a Save America’s Treasures grant in 2003. Upgrades included an elevator, a youth court, and internet access. Renovation of the building was completed in September 2004 at a cost of $2.4 million.
Courthouse grounds
The original county jail was built just south of the courthouse. After the structure was abandoned as a jail in the late 20th century, it was renovated to house county offices.
Two memorials are located on the courthouse grounds. One honors Stone County citizens killed in World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The second memorial is a tribute to Mississippians who received the Medal of Honor.