In 1824, the county seat was established in Bolivar and this two-story log 20’x30′ courthouse was built. The building contained a courtroom downstairs and a jail room above. In 1827, the log courthouse was moved several blocks down East Market Street to become a home for the Levi Joy family. The log building was later purchased by Judge Barry, and in 1849 his widow sold the house to Dr. Thomas E. Moore. Moore made extensive additions to the building, including painted weatherboard siding, shutters and additional rooms. His family resided in the house for over 100 years. The descendants of his granddaughter, Miss Jennie Hardaway, sold the house to the county in 1967.

The Little Courthouse Museum now houses memorabilia and artifacts related to the history of Hardeman County, including a wedding dress from 1874, Jefferson Davis’s chair, a knife collection, a quilt display, antique furniture and clothes, and so much more.