Saline County Courthouse, courthouse in Arkansas, United States
The Saline County Courthouse is a government building in Benton, Arkansas, constructed in 1902 in Romanesque Revival style with rounded arches, sturdy brick walls, and distinctive towers. The two-story structure features a prominent clock tower, tall arched windows, and detailed stonework that conveys solidity and formal authority.
The first courthouse was built in 1839 from brick and served until 1855 when it was condemned as unsafe. The current building was completed in 1902, designed by architect Charles L. Thompson, replacing the second courthouse due to growth from bauxite mining in the region.
The courthouse serves as a gathering place at the heart of Benton for community events and local meetings. Its Romanesque Revival design with rounded arches reflects how the town values its historical continuity and local identity.
The courthouse is centrally located on Benton's main square and is easily accessible on foot from nearby shops and parks. Keep in mind this is an active government building, so access to certain areas may be restricted during court sessions.
The building appeared in the 1973 film White Lightning as a representation of a classic Southern courthouse. Inside, a 1942 mural by artist Julius Woeltz depicts bauxite miners and reflects the region's mining heritage during World War II when aluminum was critical for aircraft production.
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