A Tour Around the Historic Court Square
Follow us as we take a tour around Downtown Murray!
There’s so much to learn about the history of our friendly little town.
On June 20th, the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted an engaging walking tour of the Court Square, in collaboration with Calloway County Library and Downtown Murray. Armed with a map highlighting the square’s key locations, participants embarked on a journey through Murray’s rich history.
The tour began right outside the Murray CVB, where guides shared fascinating details about the town’s past. The first stop was the Murray CVB & Murray Main Street office building, which originally served as Parkers Brothers Garage in the 1920s. Over time, Parker Brothers evolved into Parker Ford, now located at 701 Main Street. In 2018, the Murray CVB acquired the historic building and transformed it into the Visitor Center the town knows and loves today!
Across the street stands the Calloway County Courthouse Annex (a.k.a. - Old Post Office), a notable landmark originally constructed in the 1930s. Serving the community on 4th Street until the 1980s, the post office was later repurposed into the Robert O. Miller Conference Center. As Murray’s growth outpaced the building’s capacity, the post office was eventually closed and replaced by a new facility downtown. Despite this change, the Old Post Office remains a significant highlight on tours, reflecting Murray’s rich historical tapestry.
Today, the site features the “MKY” bike rack, installed in 2017, and a Barn Quilt titled “Coming Home.” The quilt’s colors align with the Murray CVB logo, while its name resonates with Murray’s tagline, “feels like home,” capturing the essence of the town’s welcoming spirit.
Around the corner lies the Calloway County Courthouse, a building with a storied past. The original courthouse, erected in 1845, was located at the heart of town and served as a central hub for community gatherings and occasional entertainment events. After standing proudly for six decades, the courthouse was tragically devastated by a fire in 1906. The aftermath of this fire led to several years of planning and numerous votes before the current courthouse was constructed. Today’s courthouse stands as a testament to the town’s resilience and enduring heritage.
The third Calloway County Courthouse, constructed in 1913.
At the corner of 5th and Maple stands the First United Methodist Church, a construction with significant historical value. The church’s distinctive steeple, constructed in 1961, underwent renovations in 2013. As a cornerstone of Murray’s history, the church continues to be an integral part of the community with a growing congregation. Nearby, the old J.H. Churchill Funeral Home once occupied a spot on Maple Street until it was destroyed by fire in 1918.
Heading north from the First United Methodist Church and turning onto the west side of Court Square reveals an area with a storied past. This section of the square was devastated by fire in 1875, with reconstruction finally commencing in 1909. A notable highlight on this side is Rudy’s on the Square, a cherished establishment that has been serving patrons since its reopening in the 1930s. Additionally, the “Interactive Downtown Fun” mural, a recent addition to Imagination Alley, offers a vibrant and engaging visual experience.
The corner of 6th and Main offers a wealth of attractions worth exploring. At 603 Main Street, the Edwin S. Diuguid House stands as a notable example of 19th-century architecture. Built in 1895, it was the first local residence constructed with pressed brick and stone trim. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is well known to be haunted, but the spirits seem to be quite friendly, of course.
Across the street, the Linn-Schroader House, completed in 1899, catches the eye with its charming deep-blue facade. Further down the main drag, the National Hotel, built in 1928, stands in the northeast corner. Once the largest project of its time, it served as a prominent venue for social and civic events and functioned as a hotel until 1970.
Continuing along the main route, the “Historic Homes of Murray” and the Kids’ murals provide a visual celebration of the town’s character and its claim as the “Friendliest Small Town in America” where we put kindness first.
The north side of the square has seen a variety of businesses come and go, particularly after the fire of 1864. Once home to a range of grocery stores, drug stores, and two Diuguid stores, Main Street has evolved to feature retailers such as Main St. Market, Mugsy’s, and Bolin Books. Just beyond the square, the “Feels Like Home” and “Welcome to Murray (Racer One)” murals add a vibrant touch to the area.
On the east side of Town Square, current establishments include Fanspired, Hair Co., and Red Bug Yarn & Gifts. Historically, this area housed notable businesses like the Bank of Murray, Holland Drug Store, and the grocery stores, Tolley & Carson and Swann’s. The most prominent storefront on this side was the original Vintage Rose Emporium, which outgrew its location on 4th Street and is now known as Plantation Place. The original building has since been occupied by various other businesses.
Stay tuned for announcements about the next tour around the square - there’s always something new to discover, so are you ready to take the walk with us?
