Old McDonald County Courthouse

The Old McDonald County Courthouse stands at the center of the public square, built with thick walls of locally sourced bricks finished with stucco. The structure spans two floors containing multiple exhibition rooms with original wooden architectural details preserved throughout.

Construction began in 1870 and reused bricks salvaged from a previous courthouse destroyed during Civil War conflicts in the area. This reconstruction represented a fresh start for local governance following the turmoil of the war.

The building houses exhibits maintained by the McDonald County Historical Society, showcasing artifacts and documents that tell the story of regional development from its earliest days. Visitors can experience the everyday aspects of early settlement life and local commerce through the displayed collections.

The courthouse is located at 400 North Main Street and can be easily accessed from the public square in the town center. Plan your visit during standard opening hours to explore the exhibition rooms comfortably.

The courthouse was used as a filming location in a 1939 movie about an outlaw, which heightened local interest in its story. This connection eventually led to the establishment of an annual celebration that continues in the town today.

Location: Pineville

Inception: 1870s

Architectural style: American Foursquare

Address: 400 North Main Street

GPS coordinates: 36.59345,-94.38383

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05