Old Gilmer County Courthouse
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In 1833
Ellijay City became Gilmer’s County seat. The first courthouse was in the
home of Ned Tucker. In 1853 a new courthouse was built and served the county
for the next 81 years. In 1898 the Hyatt Hotel was commissioned to be built
on the square of Ellijay by D. Manley Hyatt. At that time many of Atlanta’s
elite would travel by train to spend time in the beautiful mountains and
surrounding areas of the peaceful city of Ellijay. The original structure
was built for $1.50 per square foot by D.J. Davenport.
In 1934 the hotel was converted to be used for the new courthouse in the county after the commissioner bought it from Pearl Pickett for $9600.00. The existing courthouse was deteriorating. The interior has been adapted and readapted over the years to house offices and a courtroom. The exterior was remodeled in the Federal Period style and is believed to be the only courthouse in Georgia that wasn’t originally built to serve that purpose. |