Old Monroe County Courthouse, National Historic Landmark courthouse in Monroeville, Alabama.
The Old Monroe County Courthouse is a historic judicial building featuring eclectic architectural elements throughout its structure. The main courtroom occupies the second floor with original furnishings and design that reflect its early 1900s construction period.
The building opened in 1903 and served as the county's judicial center for more than six decades before its closure. Recognition as a National Historic Landmark came in 2021, acknowledging both its architectural significance and its place in American literary history.
The courtroom inspired the novel that became central to American literature and shaped how readers imagined a small-town courthouse. The building remains closely tied to this literary legacy that visitors come from around the world to experience.
The building and its museum displays are open to visitors on weekdays and select Saturdays throughout the year. It's best to check current hours in advance since they may change with the season.
Harper Lee watched her father argue cases from this very courtroom balcony during her childhood years. This direct observation of the judicial process later became the foundation for the scenes she created in her celebrated novel.
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