Four Public Wells Once Stood on the Court Square
In the early years of Shelby, there was no centralized water system, and daily water needs were met at public wells. On the Court Square itself, there were four wells, with one located in front of each courthouse door. Beside each well stood a watering trough where horses and other animals could drink. These wells served townspeople, visitors, and court-day crowds alike, making the square not only a center of government but also a vital gathering place for everyday necessities.
Source: Mamie Jones