Monroe County was established in 1819 and named in honor of President James Monroe. From 1819 to 1830, the courthouse was located in private homes. The first courthouse on this site was built in 1830 and burned in 1833. The second courthouse was built in 1834 and was burned by Federal troops during the Civil War in 1864. The third courthouse was completed in 1868 and was condemned and demolished in 1896. The fourth and present courthouse was completed and dedicated on May 15, 1897.