Sevierville’s historic town square is just one of the reasons people make it a destination whenever they travel to the Smoky Mountains. Not only do you have the picturesque square with the Dolly Parton statue on courthouse lawn, there are a number of historic buildings located in direct vicinity of the courthouse.
Some of those specific buildings had nothing to do with local government. Places like Temple’s Feed Store where former County Commissioner Jimmie Temple married over 15,000 couples next to feed sacks and various household plants used to align the downtown area. Though the feed store is no longer there, people like Temple continue to conduct marriage ceremonies downtown. A variety of wedding chapels call historic downtown home and so does the town’s bus station which is located in Taulbee’s Restaurant.
Sevierville’s 108-year-old courthouse, located in the heart of downtown, is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1895-96 for $22,000 and renovated in 1970-74 for $577,000, the courthouse is a direct reflection of the care and pride residents put into keeping the hometown feeling alive in downtown Sevierville. The latest addition cost $500,000 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse stands proud with 13-inch thick brick walls and a foundation made of limestone hauled from the old McCown place, the site where Vulcan Materials Company now stands. The Seth Thomas Clock in the courthouse tower originally cost $1,353 plus $42.55 freight.
These are just a few of the historic structures located downtown. Others, like the Harrisburg Covered Bridge can be found within a short drive from downtown. Just ask any of the locals that might be hanging around for directions…. They can point you to most places your looking for.