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THE SEA COAST ECHO • COURTHOUSE MEMORIES
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2009 • 5
Hassle free service from the 5 O’s
When Honor was Valor...A Handshake was a Contract
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^	V""^	REPAIR	SERVICE.	INC.
REPAIR SERVICE} INC.
(228) 255-9294
P.O. BOX 292	Kiln,	MS	39556
Brehm T. Bell
Attorney at Law
“Public buildings often accurately reflect the beliefs, priorities and aspirations of a people. ...For much of our history, the courthouse has served not just as a local center of the law and government but as a meeting ground, cultural hub and social gathering place.”
—former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr. (in forward to Virginias Historic Courthouse, by John O. and Margaret T. Peters
Main Street • Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 228-467-0006 • fax 228-466-9233 brehmbell@aol.com
Photo courtesy of Hancock County Historical Society
The Hancock County courthouse was built at 152 Main St. in 1869. The wood-framed building served as a center for both county and city government until 1911, when the existing courthouse was built at the same site.
A History of the Hancock County Courthouse
BY DWAYNE BREMER Staff Writer
For more than 140 years, 152 Main St. in Bay St. Louis has been the home of the Hancock County Courthouse and the seat of county government, but how the courthouse got to downtown Bay St. Louis is often forgotten. The story is a complex one—filled with controversy, tragedy, war, and the hard work and dedication.
Thanks to historians and
county officials in the 20th century, the history of Hancock County and its courthouse has remained intact and can still be told for generations to come.
How Hancock County was formed:
Hancock County was first settled in 1699 by explorer Jean Baptist Le Moyne. The settlement remained under French control until 1763 when the British took control. The first land grant on record
Congratulations Hancock County!
Compton Engineering is proud to be a part of Hancock County’s recovery effory as a member of the team of the addition and restoration of the historic Hancock County Court House.
COMPTON ENGINEERING, INC.
ENGINEERING, SURVEYING & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PASCAGOULA - BILOXI - BAY ST. LOUIS