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PHOTOS: Hamilton County through the years

Sheriff Fred Payne with one of our new Patrol Units, circa 1940. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. — Sheriff Fred Payne with one of our new Patrol Units, circa 1940. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Fred Payne with one of our new Patrol Units, circa 1940. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

By Allison Collins, compiler October 25, 2019 1 min read

Photo Gallery

Hamilton County history

Sheriff Jim Hammond in a THP Helicopter, circa 1980's. Photo contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Chattanooga Times article from June 12, 1925 featuring the HCSO's first two motor units operated by HCSO Motorcycle Officers John Draughon (Left) and Edward Ricketts (right). Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

President Franklin Roosevelt (left) speaks to Hamilton County Sheriff Fred Payne during a visit to Chattanooga to inaugurate the Chickamauga Dam. Photo courtesy of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

One of the few remaining photographs that show both the old Hamilton County Jail (Left) and new Hamilton County Jail (Right), circa 1976. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Sam Payne standing in front of one of our new Patrol Units, circa 1940. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Robert T. Bass sitting at his desk, circa 1918. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Illustration depecting the murder of Sheriff William T. Cate, circa 1892. More information about his murder can be located here: http://www.hcsheriff.gov/gen_info/past_sheriffs/william_cate.asp. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Fred Payne with one of our new Patrol Units, circa 1940. Contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa being escorted to a marked unit by U.S. Marshals after being held in the Hamilton County Jail, circa 1960's. Contributed by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Historic Hamilton County Jail prior to 1976. Photo contributed by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ General A.P. Stewart's statue kept a wet watch over the festivities. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Several cakes where prepared for the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Umbrellas were a neccisity during the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Meg Patton, with Hamilton County's Human Resource Department, mixes the punch before the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger makes opening remarks. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, right, was joined on the courthouse steps by, front to back, Joanne Favors, Linda Moss Mines, Rev. Paul McDaniel, Rheubin Taylor and Michael Dunne. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Umbrellas were a necessity during the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Two Hamilton County employees used a tarp to protect a screen as a short history of the county was played. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ County Clerk Bill Knowles was recognized as the longest serving elected official in county government. With Knowles is his wife, Marlene. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond, second from left, watches the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ From left, State Representative Mike Carter, former Hamilton County Sheriff John Cupp, and State Representative Robin Smith applaud. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Hamilton County Historian Linda Moss Mines talks open the county being named after Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd/ Umbrellas were a necessity during the celebration. Hamilton County celebrated its 200th birthday with a celebration on the courthouse steps on October 25, 2019.

Friday marked the 200th anniversary of the formation of Hamilton County – named for the first U.S. secretary of the treasury and founding father Alexander Hamilton – out of property from the Cherokee Nation and Rhea County.

Read more: ‘It’s still unlimited how far we can go’: Hamilton County celebrates 200 years

Read more: Mines: Happy 200th birthday Hamilton County!