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An act of the state legislature was passed in 1872 authorizing an election on the same subject, but, no record is found that anything came of it. Gainesville, which was formerly a busy and prosperous town, manufacturing lumber and shipping cotton from as far away as Columbia, has lost all its business and become a
lonesome, unimportant community. Bay St. Louis, formerly Shieldsborough, is a thriving little city and an important summer resort town. It remaines the county seat, with no probability of any change. (From the HANCOCK HAWK, January 19, 1973 quoting from The History of Hancock County compiled by the Works Progress Administration).
Driver, Mr. S.P. is making rapid strides of progress towards the completion of the brick vault at the courthouse for the county clerk. He is ably assisted by Mr.
Jos. Favre. .	(SCE12/10/1892 )
Jan 21,	1893
The new additions and improvements and the general renovation of the Hancock county court house after a month extension of the specified time for its completion according to contract, is completed. From the time worn and delapidated looking box shaped building an architectural ornament to the city and county has assumed its appearance, and while it is not altogether a structure of new material, the eye of the admiring stanger will not recognize the deception. In converting the old into the new, the county board of supervisors did not enact the order on the basis merely because the financial situation of the county admitted it or for any reason of unfounded causes, but because, by their wise and far seeingness, recognized that it	was	an absolute neccesity and would meet	the hearty
approval of all. The structure truly stands	as	a triabute
to	the	ableness of the Hancock county board	of	supervisors
of	the	prent term of office. The courthouse	is	not a brick
nor of stone but of wood, wood from the roof to the floorsills and considering its cost and size, it is the most attractive looking court house in the State of Mississippi, and without fear of contradiction can this be asserted. Bay St. Louis can feel flattered of such handsome public building and will soon pride herself of a fine and attractive p;ublic school building. (SCE 01/21/1893)
150 Main St., BSL - Hancock County Court House (SM1893) Hancock County Court House - The Courthouse was built in 1911 to replace an older frame Victorian structure. it was designed by Diboll and Owen, Ltd., the same architects who had designed the City Hall and shows a refinement in the 6 years between the two. Although the quality of materials is not as fine as in many courthouses built in South Mississippi in the period, it's proportions are good. The modified Ionic columns are especially well done. A large sheet metal ornamental cupola original to the building was damaged beyond repair in Hurricane Camille (1969) and not replaced when the building was restored. (VF Wagner)
Hancock County - History