Cleveland County Courthouse

The Cleveland County Courthouse is a three-story building featuring Classical Revival design with Corinthian porticoes at each of its four entrances and a three-stage cupola. The structure occupies a central location in downtown Shelby where Main, Washington, Warren, and Lafayette Streets meet.

The courthouse was built in 1907 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Architect H. L. Lewman designed the structure using locally sourced materials that were common in the region at that time.

Since 2014, the building has housed the Earl Scruggs Center, which presents exhibitions about the celebrated musician and the musical heritage of the American South. Visitors can explore the region's connection to bluegrass music and local artists here.

The building sits at a central intersection in downtown Shelby, making it easy to reach on foot from any direction. All four sides are equally accessible, and the surrounding grounds provide space to view the architectural details and approach from different angles.

Each of the four entrances features identical porticoes with four columns, giving the building a balanced appearance when approached from any direction. This symmetrical design was deliberate, ensuring that no side of the courthouse square was favored over another.

Location: Shelby

Architects: H. L. Lewman

GPS coordinates: 35.29140,-81.53940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:45