100-198 E. Court Square
Covington, Tennessee

Tipton County’s current courthouse is the third built for the county since its inception on October 29, 1823. In 1825 the proceeds from the sale of lots in Covington were used to construct a framed two story structure, 20 feet by 30 feet square, that was completed in July of 1825. The second courthouse was built in the middle of Covington’s town square, which is also the location of the one. The current courthouse was finished in 1889-90, was designed by the McDonald Brothers (Harry, Kenneth, and Roy) of Louisville Kentucky, and cost $24,500 to construct. The McDonald Brothers are responsible for designing a number of courthouses across the nation. The courthouse originally had a clock tower but a tornado in 1909 damaged the tower and the roof. The county hoped to repair the damage at some point but put off the repairs to the point that the roof was close to caving in. In 1928 the tower was removed the tower and the roof repaired. The late nineteenth century Victorian-styled building is surrounded by historic commercial and public buildings from the 1870s to the 1970s. Many buildings have been restored and adapted to new uses, and a recent streetscape project has improved the appearance of this important public space.

On the south side of the courthouse is a monument to the Confederate soldiers of Tipton County. In the late 1870s efforts were made to raise the funds necessary to erect a monument and through the efforts of citizens of Covington and Tipton County and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Fort Wright #2506, the project was completed on May 29, 1895. The monument is a statue of a Confederate Soldier with an inscription that reads: To the Confederate Soldiers of Tipton County, whose courage in war, and virtues in peace, have illustrated the highest type of American Manhood. "Nor braver bled for a brighter land, nor brighter land had a cause so grand." On April 29, 1995 a Centennial Observance and Rededication was held culminating a four year repair and restoration project of the statue.

Visiting Tipton County Courthouse
The exterior grounds can be visited at any time
There is no charge to visit the Tipton County Courthouse.