Little Courthouse Museum - 1824

Bolivar is unusual among Tennessee communities in retaining two courthouse buildings. The original log courthouse was built in 1824 on the square and stood for only a few years until a new brick courthouse building was proposed. In 1827 it was purchased by the Levi Joy family and was move to its present location two blocks away, enlarged, and the logs covered with clapboards. The family lived there while building their larger home across the street. Later, this building was purchased by Dr. Thomas E. Moore, and further additions were made. His daughter, Alice Moore Hardaway, was born in the first courtroom and later it became the property of Miss Jennie Hardaway, the daughter of Alice. The building was used as a residence until the late twentieth century and is now known as the Little Courthouse Museum. It is the oldest courthouse building still standing in the state and it still retains its original entrance with sidelights and transom and original nine-over-six wood sash windows.

The house was restored in the 1970's. Visitors can view the log interior of the old courtroom which contains many antiques and county artifacts. Upstairs is the old jail, as it may have appeared in the early 1800's. Some of the items on display include the first county clerk desk, silver spoons made by a Bolivar Jeweler as a legal fee to David Fentress, and Laura Robertson Savage's wedding dress from 1874.