The current Courthouse sits on approximately the same site on which its three predecessors sat - and Man! if that lawn could talk!

You would hear of the exciting event that took place on the evening of May 27th, 1861 as our Polk County boys were preparing to leave to help preserve our states' rights in that great War Between the States. According to G. W. Clemmer, "a torchlight procession was formed with the Company in front, ladies in the center, and men and boys in the rear. The night was beautiful and the scene grand and exciting. At one time the procession extended around the entire public square. The doors and windows were filled with young ladies and little girls with their hands full of bouquets, which they cast in the way of the volunteers."

It was at the courthouse on September 19, 1915 that the Nancy Ward Rifles were formed and first drilled on the street on the north side of the courthouse while preparing for their departure to the Mexican border. Later, soldiers departing their beloved county to serve their country in World War I and II took their leave after moving ceremonies held right there on the same courthouse lawn.

And, as the story continued, you would almost be able to hear the excited voices of the children who attended the big Fourth of July Celebration in 1914, and the ones that took place every year over a long period of time - and always on the Courthouse lawn and square. Watermelon juice dripped from every happy little face and off their elbows. And who will ever forget the grand Homecoming '86 Celebration with all the music, speeches and school children on the lawn.

And now, a new story has been added to the repertoire. On Sunday, June 29th 2008 at least three churches came together and sat under the shade trees and tents for another special celebration of our freedom. Folks from First Baptist, Benton Station and Smyrna gathered at 10 o'clock for a program that opened with an invocation by County Mayor Mike Stinnett, and included a flag folding by American Legion #81 from Cleveland as Anna Smith told the meaning of each fold. Patriotic songs were sung by the combined church choirs, with special music by Megan Jolley.

Nothing can make chills run up and down your spine like hearing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes as done by Billy Milen. Then add to all that a powerful sermon on forgiveness by Dr. James Porch, Executive Director-Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Close it with a benediction by Benton Mayor Jerry Stephens, and an invitation to come on over to First Baptist Church for hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, homemade ice cream, games, and pickin' 'n singin' - and you have the makings of a memorable event.

When President Abraham Lincoln was making history with his now famous address on November 19, 1863 dedicating a portion of the Gettysburg Battlefield as a final resting place of many fallen heroes of that Great War, he said, "It is altogether fitting and proper that we do this."  That same thought holds true today - it was altogether fitting and proper that we hold a Freedom Celebration on the courthouse lawn where so many of our county's historic events have taken place.

Thank you Rev. Robbie Speights, Rev. Joel Jenkins and Rev. Jim Parm and everyone who took part or came out to this very special event.

God Bless America - Let Freedom Ring!