When visiting towns and cities, I like to find the local courthouses. I often find that in small towns, they tend to be the biggest, most well kept buildings downtown. Each one is different. While many have similar architectural elements, they are still unique.  Some are now museums or visitor centers, but they all started out as courthouses. These courthouses are located in Kentucky.

The Madison County Courthouse in Richmond, KY is a dominating building in center of the small town. Finished in 1859, the oversized Greek Revival building is impressive with its cupola and clock tower. The white brick is definitely eye catching. The courthouse still serves as the county seat.

The Old Courthouse in Bardstown, Kentucky is now a visitor’s center in the small historic town. The cathedral like building was erected in 1892 to look like a cathedral since the majority of the population was catholic.

These two courthouses are both located in Kentucky, roughly an hour and a half apart, and erected within 30 years of one another, yet they are so different. This is what I love about small town America. Each town is different and offers something worth visiting. So don’t discount the small towns around you, take a day and go see what they have to offer.

Prints of these images are available. Just click on the image and it will take you directly to the print page. If you would like to see courthouses, from America and around the world, click here.