The Giles County Courthouse

Towering above the city of Pulaski's historic downtown square stands the breathtaking Giles County Courthouse.

This courthouse was the fifth to be built on the site, after the fourth was destroyed by fire in 1907. That earlier courthouse had withstood the Civil War, while the town was occupied by Federal troops and the Union flag flew overhead. At the time of the fire, the building was insured for just $14,000.

The current Courthouse was constructed by George Moore and Sons of Nashville and was completed in 1909. After furnishings and finishing touches, the final cost reached $132,000, a figure that stirred enough public frustration to vote every commissioner out of office.

Inside, marble covers the floor and adorns the walls; most of the Giles County Courthouse is made of marble and steel to prevent future catasrophe. The center of the courthouse is open, where grand staircases and massive columns topped with intricate designs lead up to higher levels, and a glorious gold and white striped dome sports a skylight on the ceiling.

While it is still a functioning courthouse, this landmark is a point of pride for Pulaski and is a must-see stop while exploring the square.