McDOWELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE

A primitive log house was the first site of courts in the county and the county seat was removed to Perryville in 1867. A two-story log courthouse was built there. In 1892, the town of Welch became the county seat.

Two years later a courthouse was built of Berea stone. The building is a good example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The interior of this courthouse features a main stairway that is notable for its heavy cast iron construction and all its parts, including treads, newels, and rails. An annex was added fourteen years later. In 1961, a wing was also added. This present courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places.