On July 3, 1965, the Courthouse was dedicated to serve Cullman County. Since then much has changed, not only the Courthouse but the county itself.”Kenneth Walker, Cullman County Commission Chairman
CULLMAN – On Tuesday, July 7, 2015, residents and officials from throughout Cullman County gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cullman County Courthouse. The group met on the Courthouse steps to celebrate the occasion and listen to a variety of officials. Before and after the ceremony the Cullman Brass band played patriotic music. Afterward, refreshments were served, and attendees were encouraged to view the historical time capsule that was on display just inside the doorway.
Officials from Cullman County, municipalities, and law enforcement were on hand today to celebrate the 50th anniversary…
Posted by Cullman County on Tuesday, July 7, 2015
“On July 3, 1965, the Courthouse was dedicated to serve Cullman County,” said Kenneth Walker, Cullman County Commission Chairman. “Since then much has changed, not only the Courthouse but the county itself. In 1965 the population was 46,000, and there were 1,346 miles of road – and only 525 miles of those roads were paved. The major companies were King Parr Canning, Golden Rod Broilers, Cullman Lingerie, Bennett’s, Westinghouse, Alabama Box Company and Cullman Products.”
“Fifty years later over 81,000 people live in Cullman County with over 50 major industries calling Cullman County home,” he continued. “We’re number one in Alabama for broiler production, egg production, cattle and hay and number two in sweet potatoes.”
“We (city officials) have come and gone, but the Courthouse stays,” said Senator Paul Bussman. “And the Courthouse stays because it is the cornerstone of Cullman County. It is where justice is served. This is where people are treated fairly. This is where people can come and find a solution to problems. This is where we collect taxes. It is so important that we maintain the cornerstone of Cullman County. It’s so important that we maintain justice. It’s so important that we treat everybody equal. And it’s so important that we remember this has been here for 50 years. And we need to be here 50 more years to be able to tell our children and their children and grandchildren that what is here is good. What is here is right. What is here is just.”
With three stories and a basement, the current Cullman County Courthouse is by far the largest to date. Made of shiny white marble, the $1.5 million building’s final inspection was passed in February of 1965, and immediately offices were transferred to the new building. Dedication ceremonies were held on July 3, 1965. U.S. Senator John Sparkman, U.S. Representative James D. Martin, and former U.S. Representative Carl Elliott delivered speeches during the event.
The Cullman County Courthouse took a beating in 2011 when massive tornados trashed the area. Despite all the destruction and devastation, the citizens of Cullman County came together and cleaned up the city. Since then many homes and businesses have been rebuilt and reestablished. As for the Courthouse, repairs were made, and bright red bricks replaced the old white marble. The Courthouse has stood the test of time looks to serve the community for the foreseeable future.
