The Jackson County Courthouse, now 100 years old, is featured in the new documentary “Trial, Tragedies & Triumphs.” (Photo Provided)

RIPLEY — In memorializing the trials, tragedies and triumphs of the historic Jackson County Courthouse, a documentary was filmed and completed to tell its colorful history.

The 30-minute documentary titled “Trials, Tragedies & Triumphs,” was made to celebrate the courthouse’s 100 year birthday.

Directed, produced and filmed by all Jackson County natives, the documentary is a project of the Ripley Convention & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Jackson County Commission.

According to a press release, it was directed by Carson Broom with assistance from Connor Isner. It was written by Mike Ruben, bureau director and narrated by actors Jeana and J.J. Mahan.

Construction on the courthouse began in 1918 but, ironically, the work was halted for a while because of the flu pandemic at the time. The building has 1918 inscribed on it, but it wasn’t completed until 1920.

This was taken during the construction of the courthouse, which was completed in 1920. It serves as the third courthouse for Jackson County. (Photo Provided)

“The courthouse is a wonderful building, but the documentary highlights the interesting people and events that took place there,” Ruben said.

Since Jackson County’s formation in 1831, the courthouse has essentially stayed on the same sight with two other buildings that were built before the current one.

The documentary includes a background on the location, a tragic accident that occurred during the construction, an unusual 1933 murder trial, the story about a piece of unique artwork and a presidential visit.

“The construction fatality is a prime example of the quality of the documentary,” Ruben said. “It is not easy to realistically depict a fall from a three-story building, but they managed to do so. That took a considerable amount of planning by the directors and good acting, too.”

To order a copy, send $25, which includes postage, to Ripley CVB at 115 N. Church Street, Suite 4 Ripley, WV 25271.

Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.