Coahoma County Courthouse

Interspace & Power
Dec 25, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Feb 15

Location: Clarksdale, Mississippi, USA
Architect: 1954: Hanker & Heyer, 1999: Dickson, Tyson & Associates
Style: Neo-classical / Greek Revival
Completed in: 1954, 1999 (Major re-modelling)

The Coahoma County Courthouse, located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, has a rich history that reflects the development of the region. Coahoma County was established as part of the Choctaw Cession of 1830. The name "Coahoma" originates from a Choctaw term meaning red panther. Legends suggest that the county's name was inspired by the numerous panthers that once inhabited the northern areas of the Delta.

The Coahoma County Courthouse was originally constructed in 1954 based on the designs by Hanker & Heyer (William Julius Hanker & Carl C. Heyer). It went through a major renovation in 1999 by the firm of Dickson, Tyson & Associates. The original design was similar to the courthouse in Quitman County Courthouse in Georgetown, GA.

Quitman County Courthouse in Georgetown, GA

Rivers Langley; SaveRivers, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

"Original design was similar to this courthouse"

The central portico features a prominent pediment supported by four Doric columns. Flanking the central portico are bay windows, accompanied by protruding sections each capped with a pediment with beautiful Natchez crape myrtle trees in front.

"Central portico"

"Bay windows and side pediments"

A magnolia tree stands prominently in front of the building's main entrance with a few flowers in bloom. The magnolia flower, designated as the state flower of Mississippi, serves as a symbol on the state's new flag, which was adopted in 2020 to replace the former flag featuring the Confederate battle emblem.