The current Macon County Courthouse in Franklin was completed in 1972, designed by architect Kyle C. Boone in a modern style. Macon County itself was formed in 1828 with Franklin serving as the county seat from the beginning.
On a quiet Saturday morning, the courthouse building itself was well secured but the grounds were accessible and we were able to walk about easily and take our time viewing the nearby monuments without any activity around the building. The three-story red-brown brick and concrete structure reflects a modern, neo-formalist civic design. The earlier 1881 courthouse once featured a distinctive clock tower. Although that building was demolished, the cupola was saved and remains on display across the street as a reminder of the county's nineteenth-century architecture. We even managed to be here at the top of the hour to hear the bell ring off the time.
Macon County was formed from the western part of Haywood County and named for stateman Nathaniel Macon. The first courthouse was built in 1829. Street parking around the courthouse made it easy to stop and explore the area on foot.
[Review 504 of 2026 - 4599 in North Carolina - 25686 overall] read more