When the pioneers of Wilkes convened their first court on August 25, 1779, it was held in a private residence, the first of many transient venues during the county's infancy.

Wilkes County Court found its first permanent venue in a room at the local tavern, which effectively served as official courtroom until 1785.

The next building had two stories and was originally the residence of Italian immigrant and U.S. patriot, Major Ferdinand Phinizy,[6] who sold the house to Wilkes County Commissioners.

As the American Civil War was nearing its end, this building was the place where the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, convened the final session of the Confederate Cabinet.

The events of 1865 are commemorated today with a plaque and a granite monument in front of the County Courthouse, as well as a Georgia Historical Society Marker about Jefferson Davis.

The ornamental detailing evident in the 1904 roof and Gothic embellished clock tower were omitted from the 1989 restoration due to limited project budget.

[10] Prominent African American contractor Monroe Morton of Athens, Georgia was involved in the construction of the courthouse.

[11] Wilkes County Courthouse was nominated for the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) as part of a Multiple property submission (or MPS).

It remains the location of The Superior Court of Wilkes County, which is a branch of the Toombs Judicial Circuit of the Tenth Judicial Administrative District of the Courts of Georgia,[14] presides over jury trials, rules on evidence, hears motions, and renders verdicts in bench trials.