RUTHERFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND MUSEUM

The courthouse dates back to pre-Civil War times when it also served as a watchtower, ballroom and prison, as well as Tennessee’s state capitol from 1819 to 1826. After a fire destroyed the original, the present structure was built in 1859 and is one of six antebellum courthouses still in use in Tennessee today.

The Rutherford County Historic Courthouse Museum is an ongoing partnership between the Rutherford County Archives and the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. The artifacts on display represent more than 200 years of county history and invite you to explore the diverse growth of our community in connection to broader state and national narratives. We are extremely grateful for the generous support that individuals, organizations, and public officials in our community have provided to the museum. The Rutherford County Historic Courthouse Museum is free and open to the general public. The museum consists of five exhibit rooms that you can tour at your leisure. However, if you have a group of 10 or more and prefer a more personalized guided tour, please complete the form on our website at https://museum.rutherfordcountytn.gov/. All tours are free.