​Built in 1884, this building housed Carthage's first City Hall after voters approved a $7,000 bond issue to provide the growing city with secure offices, a six-cell jail, and the Fire Department.  A bell in the tower alerted firefighters to emergencies throughout the city.   The building was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, becoming a source of civic pride.

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In 1895, after the completion of the new Jasper County Courthouse, city offices moved into the courthouse as part of an agreement that helped fund its construction. The former City Hall was then converted entirely into a fire station with fire-fighting equipment on the first floor and bedrooms on the second floor.

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By 1922, the aging building had fallen into disrepair. The roof leaked, plaster was deteriorating, and the tower had become structurally unsafe.  A major renovation began that September, removing the tower, rebuilding the sagging front wall, installing a new roof, and strengthening the structure.  The extensively remodeled façade featured its original red brick, Carthage stone, and three vehicle bays, one on each side for regular firetrucks and one in the center for regular vehicles.    The building's fire bell, which had served the city for 38 years, was sold to the Jasper Fire Department.  The fire station remained in service in the building until 1980, when a new facility was constructed at 401 W. Chestnut Street.

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Rather than being demolished, the historic building was rehabilitated and reopened in 1993 as the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum.  Today, it continues to serve the community by preserving and interpreting Carthage's Civil War history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational displays, including a mural by renowned artist Andy Thomas..