Old Randolph County Courthouse: A Step Back in Time

The Old Randolph County Courthouse, located in the heart of historic downtown Pocahontas, Arkansas, is a captivating landmark that whispers tales of the past. Constructed in 1872 and completed in 1875, this two-story brick building stands as a remarkable example of early Victorian-Italianate architecture, a style that's quite rare in this region of Arkansas.The story of Pocahontas becoming the county seat is an interesting one. As the story goes, Ransom Bettis and his son-in-law Thomas S. Drew, who owned the site of Pocahontas, held a festival with free barbecue and liquor when the vote for the county seat was given to the people of Randolph County. The people of Randolph County then voted Pocahontas as the county seat.The courthouse boasts intricate woodwork, high ceilings, and stilted windows, all crowned by a cupola that adds to its imposing presence. The building's design features brick quoined corners and a low hip roof, further accentuating its architectural distinctiveness.For over sixty years, the Old Courthouse served as the center of Randolph County's legal and administrative activities. In 1940, the county courts moved to a new courthouse, and the Old Courthouse transitioned into various roles, including an entertainment center for servicemen during World War II and the county library. Today, it houses the Randolph County Board of Tourism and the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, continuing to be a vital part of the community.The Old Randolph County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 24, 1973, solidifying its importance as a preserved piece of Arkansas history.