Some buildings simply hold space. Others hold stories. In the small town of Somerville, the Old Morgan County Courthouse has held nearly two centuries of them.
On a recent Friday, Heninger Garrison Davis attorney Anabel Braziel stood with her Colonial Dames chapter, the Henry Soane Chapter, as members gathered to formally mark Alabama's oldest courthouse. They were honoring more than history. They were celebrating a building that came close to being lost and was saved by the people who refused to let that happen.
A Landmark Worth Saving
The Old Morgan County Courthouse was built in 1837 and is the oldest standing county courthouse in Alabama. For more than fifty years, it served as the center of local government and justice while Somerville was the Morgan County seat, until the seat moved to Decatur in 1891. Generations of Alabamians walked through its doors to settle disputes, record their lives, and take part in their community's civic life.
Today, thanks to the work of local leaders, preservationists, and community members, the courthouse has been saved for future generations.
"It is especially meaningful to see this courthouse now saved through the collective efforts of our community," Anabel said.
A Community Celebration
The day brought together an impressive group of local and state leaders, including:
-
Somerville Mayor Darren Tucker
-
Sheriff Ron Puckett and his wife, Sharon
-
Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr
-
Alabama State Representative Parker Moore
-
Hartselle Mayor Missy Evans
Fellow Henry Soane Chapter members, including Amelia Denslow and Julea Moats, joined Anabel to celebrate the milestone.
"I am incredibly proud to be a part of this chapter and deeply inspired by the dedication and hard work of everyone involved," Anabel shared.
Why It Matters to Us
At Heninger Garrison Davis, we spend our days working within the justice system. A courthouse like this one reminds us where that system began in our state: in modest buildings, in small towns, built by people who believed their communities deserved a place where justice could be served.
Anabel's involvement reflects something we value deeply at HGD. We believe in showing up for the communities we serve, both inside the courtroom and outside of it.
"I am so grateful to be part of preserving this important piece of Alabama history for generations to come!" Anabel said.
Congratulations to Anabel, the Henry Soane Chapter, and everyone in Somerville who helped make this possible. After 189 years, the Old Morgan County Courthouse is still standing, and with this community behind it, it will be standing for many more.
