SPRINGFIELD, Tenn. (WKRN) — The soul of Robertson County: that’s how the county’s previous mayor described their historic courthouse.

Originally built in 1879, the building is a true symbol of Springfield, Tennessee, and it's located right in the center of town.

“It’s just unimaginable what the [town] square would be without that," proclaimed former Robertson County mayor Howard Bradley. "In fact, it wouldn't be a square."

Bradley devoted his life to serving Springfield. He was the county's mayor for 16 years and a local history teacher for even longer. His adult life started inside the county courthouse — literally.

“I did come in as a freshman County Commissioner in 1972 when I was 18, which is now what, 53 years ago? So a long time,” said Bradley. “Of course, the county commission had been meeting here since the building was built, and even before this building was built.”

From earthquakes to political campaigns to countless county music videos, the Robertson County courthouse has experienced plenty in its lifetime. The building was registered as a National Historic Site in 1978 and still remains in pristine condition.

That wasn’t always a guarantee.

“When I first came into office in 2002, this building was in deplorable condition," Bradley said. "And I went to the county commissioners and said, ‘Look folks, if we don’t do something and do it quickly, we’re going to lose this building.’ And you can’t imagine this square without this building."

In 2005, then-mayor Bradley proposed a tax increase to fund a $4 million renovation to the courthouse. It was unanimously approved.

Now, the mayor’s office is no longer located in the courthouse as it was during Bradley’s time. However, all of Robertson County court proceedings are still held inside. That’s an incredibly rare feat among Tennessee counties. 

“So much of the soul of their counties was lost when those buildings were lost. So I’m very proud of the way this community has stepped and spent, aggregate, over millions and millions of dollars to keep this building open,” said Bradley. “What would Springfield be without this building?”

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/robertson-county-courthouse/