The county courthouse is the lawyer's workplace. In 1823, Macon's lawyers, all three of them, began work in a double room log cabin located near the present site of Mt. de Sales Academy. The cabin had been rented by the state from a Mr. John Keener to serve as Bibb County's courthouse until a permanent building could be erected.
When the first permanent courthouse was built, in 1825, it represented a step down from the log cabin. The unceiled one room structure, located on Mulberry Street between Second and Third Streets, was variously described by contemporaries as a shack, or a shanty. Nonetheless, it served until late 1829.
In 1828, using the proceeds from the last sale of Macon city lots, the first decent court structure was begun on "Courthouse Square" at the foot of Mulberry Street. When completed, the 93 by 47 foot, three story building, with a cupola, was said to be the handsomest public building in the state. The local newspaper called it the "pride and ornament of our village."
The second floor courtroom was huge. It was often used for church and political assemblies, and even dances. "Six cotillions danced comfortably, with room for the band and spectators." This building cost $12,750, and was used for forty years.
In 1870, the cornerstone was laid for a courthouse at the present location on the corner of Mulberry and Second Street. This location was the subject of surprisingly bitter controversy. Many people wanted the county to buy what is now the Macon City Hall building for use as a courthouse. Mass meetings were held by supporters of each position. When constructed, the new building was often called, in all seriousness, the Temple of Justice.
In 1923, after years of complaints, the 1871 building was razed, and the present structure erected. Some officials with offices in the basement had threatened to move out. They said the old building was unhealthful, and was making their employees sick.
Some portions of the old building are incorporated into the present building; probably the plumbing and ventilation systems. The 1923 building is still in service, and deserves a separate article unto itself.
-- Frank M. McKenney