Towns County's First Courthouse
This painting presents a historically informed reconstruction of the first Towns County Courthouse, originally built in 1857 at the center of the newly established county seat of Hiawassee. Created from surviving written plans, the structure reflects early civic architecture of the region, with design elements comparable to the Banks County Courthouse.
In the foreground, two key figures stand as representatives of the county’s early leadership and construction: Captain John W. Holmes, positioned to the right, and James M. Osborn, to the left. Their presence anchors the scene in the formative years of Towns County, established in 1856 from portions of Union and Rabun Counties.
The courthouse itself stands on what is now known as the Hiawassee Town Square, serving as the center of government and community life through the late 19th century. The building witnessed significant moments in local history, including the widely attended trial of Tilmon Justice, during which structural reinforcements—steel rods—were added to support the weight of large crowds drawn from across the region, including Atlanta.
In the background, the flowing Hiwassee River winds through a broad valley, a landscape that has since been transformed by the creation of Lake Chatuge. Today, little remains of the original courthouse beyond a modest water fountain marking the location of the town’s early well near the square.
With no known photographs of the original structure, this painting offers a visual interpretation grounded in historical documentation, bringing to life a foundational piece of Towns County’s heritage.
Marty, a self-taught artist, creates art inspired by Towns County's history. He started by drawing and later transitioned to painting on motorcycles and cars. His work is now on canvas, capturing the county's heritage. Marty has donated multiple paintings to the Towns County Historical Society, and his artwork is copyrighted at the Library of Congress.
On loan to the Towns County Courthouse by Towns County Historical Society
