Old Shelby County Courthouse

The Old Shelby County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Columbiana featuring traditional architectural elements with detailed brickwork and columns that reflect 19th-century building standards. The structure shows classic craftsmanship from that era with solid construction and ornamental details.

The building was constructed in 1854 and served as the primary judicial center for Shelby County until 1906, when operations moved to a larger facility. This move ended over 50 years of service as the county's main courthouse.

The building serves as home to the Shelby County Museum and Archives, run by the Shelby County Historical Society since 1982. People come here to see collections that tell the story of life in this area over time.

The building is located in downtown Columbiana and is easy to reach, with local signs helping guide visitors. It is a good idea to check opening hours before you go, as times can change with the seasons.

Columbiana won an election in 1826 to become the county seat over the rival town of Montevallo, and residents celebrated by cutting down trees. This unusual way of marking their victory stayed in local memory for generations.

Location: Alabama

GPS coordinates: 33.17690,-86.60720

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00