Historic Quitman County Courthouse in Marks Wins $400,000 Restoration Funding

The Quitman County Courthouse in Marks has been awarded $400,000 for restoration, a move county officials say will preserve a central civic landmark and the functions it houses. The two-story brick and stone courthouse, located on the courthouse square at 220 Chestnut Street, was designed in the Neoclassical / Classical Revival style and built after the county seat returned to Marks in 1910-1911.

The building features a columned front porch, a balcony and a dome above the roofline. The courthouse was designed by Chamberlain & Company (also cited as Chamberlin & Associates) and constructed by Falls City Construction Co. It was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1990 and continues to house the county circuit courtroom and other county judicial offices. Local government project notes and the county website document recent preservation planning and the $400,000 award, and they reference the county’s engagement with preservation architects experienced in restoring historic Mississippi buildings.

The courthouse’s history is tied to the turn-of-the-century civic development of Quitman County, including the move of the county seat between Marks and Belen and the influence of Leopold Marks and the railroad on the town’s growth. For residents, the courthouse is more than an old building; it is a working center for local government, a familiar fixture on the square, and a feature frequently cited in county planning and cultural-tourism strategies.

Restoration funding will be directed toward preserving architectural character and maintaining the courthouse’s role as the site of county judicial business. Project notes indicate the county is working with preservation architects to develop plans that respect the building’s Neoclassical details while addressing long-term maintenance needs. The work is expected to be part of broader downtown planning efforts that emphasize heritage preservation as an asset for civic life and cultural tourism in Marks.

Preserving the courthouse also protects a focal point for public gatherings, official business and community identity. The county’s investment reflects a recognition that historic fabric on the courthouse square contributes to downtown economic activity and to Quitman County’s story about its origins and civic leaders. The involvement of architects with experience on other Mississippi restorations aims to balance historical accuracy with modern building standards for public use.

Next steps for the project include completion of design work with the preservation architects and moving toward procurement and construction phases as funding and schedules allow. For residents of Marks and Quitman County, the award means the courthouse that has anchored local government for more than a century should remain a visible, usable centerpiece of the square for years to come.