Tallahatchie County Courthouse, Sumner MS

The Tallahatchie County Courthouse, located in Sumner, Mississippi, holds a significant place in American history. Built in 1902, this historic courthouse is best known for its association with the Emmett Till trial of 1955, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. The trial, which brought national attention to the brutal reality of racial injustice in the South, was held in this very building. Architecturally, the courthouse reflects the Romanesque Revival style, featuring a distinct clock tower and red brick facade. Its design and structure have been preserved to maintain its historical integrity. Today, the courthouse stands as both an active part of the county’s judicial system and a landmark visited by those looking to understand the profound events that took place within its walls. In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and maintain the courthouse, ensuring that it serves not only as a center of justice but also as a site of remembrance and education about the struggles and progress of civil rights in America.