Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | Reno

Information

Landmark: Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
City: Reno
Country: USA Nevada
Continent: North America

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Reno, USA Nevada, North America

The Historic Oktibbeha County Courthouse is a governmental building located in Starkville, Mississippi.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed from red brick, the courthouse features a prominent central clock tower. The building exhibits a Neoclassical architectural style with symmetrical fenestration and a pedimented entrance. Its dimensions are approximately 80 feet in width and 120 feet in depth, with the clock tower reaching a height of 100 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The courthouse is situated at 100 East Main Street, Starkville, MS 39759, at the intersection of Main Street and Jackson Street. It is located in the central business district, approximately 0.2 miles east of the city center. Ample street parking is available on Main Street and Jackson Street, with additional public parking lots within a 0.5-mile radius. Starkville's public bus system, Starkville-Oktibbeha Transit (SOT), has a stop directly in front of the courthouse on Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current structure was built in 1907, replacing an earlier courthouse that burned down. The architect was William S. Lowrance, and the original purpose was to serve as the administrative center for Oktibbeha County. The site itself is part of the Black Belt region of Mississippi, characterized by fertile Black Prairie soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the exterior architectural details. Interior access is generally limited to county business hours, with opportunities to view the main courtroom and administrative offices. Guided historical tours are not regularly scheduled but can sometimes be arranged by contacting the Oktibbeha County Historical Society.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor during business hours. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the courthouse lawn. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this downtown area. Food vendors and restaurants are located within a 0.5-mile radius along Main Street.

Best Time to Visit

For exterior photography, the late afternoon offers favorable lighting conditions due to the sun's angle on the brickwork. The best months for visiting Starkville are typically April through June and September through October, offering moderate temperatures. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that during the construction of the clock tower, a worker accidentally dropped a tool from the top, which landed precisely in the center of a pie being eaten by a town official below. The courthouse is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a former judge, though no verifiable accounts exist.