====== Pickens County Courthouse (Alabama) ======

The Pickens County Courthouse, located in Carrollton, Alabama, is notable for its historical significance and its reputation as a haunted location. The courthouse, built between 1877 and 1878, is associated with the ghostly image of Henry Wells, a freedman lynched under contentious circumstances. This legend intertwines with the courthouse’s history and reflects the racial tensions of the era.

==== Historical Background ====

The Pickens County Courthouse was constructed as the third courthouse for the county after the previous ones were destroyed. The first courthouse was burned by Union forces during the Civil War, and the second courthouse was destroyed by arson in 1876. The current courthouse was completed in 1878 and is recognized for its architectural significance and historical role.

In January 1878, Henry Wells, an African American man, was accused of burning down the previous courthouse. Wells was arrested, and shortly afterward, he was lynched by a white mob. The accusations against him were based on suspicion rather than concrete evidence. During this period, racial tensions were high, exacerbated by the end of Reconstruction and the resurgence of white supremacist policies.

==== The Legend of Henry Wells ====

According to the popular legend, Henry Wells was lynched by a mob after being falsely accused of arson. The myth states that as Wells faced his accusers, he declared that his ghost would haunt the town if he were killed. Following his execution, a face believed to be Wells’ appeared in one of the courthouse’s upper windows. This ghostly visage has become a focal point of local folklore.

The legend claims that after Wells’ death, a severe hailstorm broke every window in the courthouse except for the one with his face. Additionally, despite attempts to clean or replace the window, the face remains visible.

==== Historical Accuracy and Myths ====

Historical analysis reveals that the widely told story of Wells' face in the window is a conflation of separate events and myths. For example, the windows in question were not installed until after Wells’ death, making it impossible for his face to have appeared in them.

The Pickens County Courthouse's history is marred by racial violence. Between 1877 and 1917, 15 African Americans were lynched in Pickens County. This period of racial terrorism reflects the broader context of white supremacy and racial violence prevalent in the South during and after Reconstruction.

The story of Wells' face in the window combines elements from different historical incidents, including the lynching of Nathaniel Pierce and the arrest and death of Henry Wells. The courthouse’s history of racial violence contributes to the persistence of this legend.

==== Cultural and Racial Aspects ====

The story of Wells' ghost reflects the racial and social tensions of the time. It highlights the legacy of racial violence and white supremacy in the South. The myth of Wells' face in the window serves as a haunting reminder of this dark chapter in American history.

In contemporary times, the courthouse remains a symbol of this turbulent period. Efforts to preserve the courthouse and its ghostly legend reflect ongoing interest in addressing and understanding this historical legacy.

==== Media and Representation ====

The legend of Henry Wells has been included in various ghost story collections and media representations. Notable works include Kathryn Tucker Windham’s *13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey* (1969) and Barry Bradford’s play *The Face in the Courthouse Window* (2010). These works explore the myth and its cultural significance, contributing to its continued prominence in local folklore.

In 2001, the courthouse faced potential demolition, but public outcry and preservation efforts led to its renovation. The window with the alleged ghostly image remains a point of interest for visitors and a symbol of historical memory.

==== References ====

  * "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  * "Supplement: Lynchings by County/ Alabama: Pickens", 3rd edition. Equal Justice Initiative, 2015.
  * West Alabamian. Various issues from 1876-1878.
  * Windham, Kathryn Tucker; Figh, Margaret Gillis. *13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey*. The University of Alabama Press, 1969.

==== External Links ====

  * [Skeptical Inquirer - The Glaring Garret Ghost](http://www.skepticalinquirer.org)
  * [Pickens County Courthouse](http://www.alabamaghostlore.com)
  * [Equal Justice Initiative - Lynchings in Alabama](http://www.eji.org)