Coffee County Courthouse (Tennessee)

The Coffee County Courthouse in Manchester, Tennessee is a historic courthouse which was built in 1871. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

It was built after the original 1837 courthouse was destroyed by a fire. It is a brick Italianate-style building, with brick laid in American bond.

Description
The Coffee County Courthouse graces the public square in Manchester, Tennessee. Its construction took place in 1871, following the destruction of the original courthouse in 1837 due to fire. The intricate details, including woodwork, painting, plastering, iron, tin, and stonework, were commissioned to J.O. and D.S. Wright of Nashville. Historical records indicate their compensation amounted to $8,755.00 for their diligent efforts. The durable bricks used were locally sourced and meticulously laid in a six-course American bond pattern on the second floor, with slight variations. The bricks rested upon a bed of lime and sand mortar. The brickwork, handled by contractor Henry Levy, incurred expenses totaling $2,341.00. The identity of the Architect, however, remains undisclosed.

The two-story architectural masterpiece boasts an Italianate design and is characterized by its brick structure. Originally, it stood in a rectangular configuration, measuring 44 x 64 feet. The ground floor featured four double doors, positioned centrally on each side of the edifice. An intersecting hallway linked the northern and southern entrances, while another hallway connected the eastern and western doors, intersecting at the building's midpoint. Each corner of the ground floor housed a spacious room measuring 15 x 24 feet. These quarters accommodated the Coffee County Courtroom and various county officers' offices.

Ascending to the second floor, one would find the Circuit Court and jury rooms thoughtfully located. In 1914, an expansion project was undertaken on the courthouse's north side. In the process, the east and west doors were replaced with brickwork, and the former east-to-west hallway underwent a transformation into four separate fireproof storage vaults. This two-story addition, completed in 1914, boasts a flat roof and spans 24 x 25 feet. Meticulous attention was given to ensure the addition harmonized stylistically and in its trim with the original 1871 structure. Notably, the newer bricks utilized in the addition adopt a smaller size and a common bond pattern.

The courthouse exudes a distinctive Victorian charm, evident in its ornate yet tasteful trim work. The design incorporates hood molds, brackets, dentils, and cornices, all crafted from robust sheet metal coated in tin. At the heart of the 1871 building, a prominent twelve-column cupola graces the gabled roof. The cupola's elegantly curved, pyramid roof is slightly truncated to create a base for the slender sheet metal spire that adorns its pinnacle.

Significance
In 1870, an overwhelming majority of Tennesseans, voting at a ratio of 3 to 1, embraced a fresh State constitution aimed at fostering the recovery process following the Civil War. Despite fervent opposition from extremists who sought to maintain minority radical influence over Tennessee, the new constitution prevailed. The election results for that year marked a resounding triumph for the Democratic party. During that same year, the original Coffee County Courthouse was consumed by fire, prompting the construction of the existing edifice out of sheer necessity. The intricate architectural design chosen for the present courthouse aptly mirrors the assurance and hopefulness of Coffee Countians, as Tennessee transitioned away from the dominance of post-Civil War minority radical factions.

The Courthouse's architectural splendor is further highlighted by a superb showcase of ornamental tin craftsmanship, representing a significant exemplar of Tennessee's architectural landscape in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War. This structure serves as the central focal point within downtown Manchester, playing a vital role in the overall townscape.

Recent times have witnessed substantial debate concerning the destiny of the courthouse. There has been notable support for the proposition of demolishing the current building and replacing it with a new one. However, the courthouse has narrowly escaped such prospects on several occasions, thanks to the dedication of local historical organizations advocating for its preservation. Currently, the building is undergoing much-needed restoration and repairs, offering a more promising outlook for its future compared to previous years.