Route 66 1903 Courthouse Museum

"The 1903 Courthouse Museum is a treasure trove of local history. The guide here was impressive, painting vivid pictures of life in Waynesville's past. His passion for the town’s heritage was infectious, leaving us with a deep appreciation for the resilience and spirit of small-town America."

"This is an #architectural #muststop on #Route66! #Dontmiss the upstairs courtroom. A unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the justice system of the #Ozarks. HIGHLY RECOMMEND #murderlocation. Tell 'em #LauraSentMe For more awesomeness' follow me at #Downtown66. This museum is as fantastic as a slice of strawberry pie with vanilla ice cream on top- during a hot July summer afternoon! This place is a gem hidden in plain sight. This county courthouse building served Pulaski Countians from 1903 until the late 1980's when county functions were moved to the newer courthouse next door. Instead of destroying this "grand old lady" community leaders had the foresight to save it and turn it into a museum. The exterior architecture alone is worth the stop- Romanesque Revival style with Italianate features- not par for the course in courthouse design in the Ozarks. Inside, look for the original wooden frames around the windows and doors and the original Stromboli fan with wooden blades hanging in the old county clerk’s office. On the wooden stairway leading to the second floor, the original decorative spindle balustrade is just like it was in 1903. Once upstairs, visitors can see the original oak ceiling with exposed rafters and joints in the courtroom--an example of superb craftsmanship. A keen eye might spot bullet scars on the exterior- remnants of a gun battle between Waynesville citizens and a gang of bank robbers in 1917. The Museum features many exhibits and artifacts that are well worth exploring too. The gift shop features Route 66 themed souvenirs and items of local interest for historians and geaneaologists. Pure Americana at it's finest! No admission charges- but I always leave a small donation- and a review!"

"Lovely true Route 66 Court house in the true heart of America"

"Great place. Nice little town."

"Open Saturdays April through September. Great collection's of arrowheads, military items, farm equipment, quilts and local history. Beautiful courtroom upstairs."