1795 -1863 Sullivan’s First Jails

Historic Sullivan

The first court-house was built of logs and was, of its kind, a massive structure. It was built on the south side off Main Street nearly opposite to the present one (1909.) The jail was placed in the rear of the court-house. It was in the same year, 1795, Blountville became the county seat. About thirty years after the first court house was built in the town, a brick one replaced it which served until 1853, when the present building was erected. The building, with its contents, was destroyed by fire during the battle in September, 1863 – the walls remained intact, however, and are still in use. Three jails have been built to accompany the court-house – the first immediately in the rear of the building, the second on a lot adjoining, also in the rear and the third between the sites of the first and the second.