The original courthouse located in Carrollton, Alabama burned to the ground on November 18, 1876. While no evidence was ever found as to whom actually set the fire, it was blamed on Henry Wells who was known to be a troublemaker. He was arrested by the sheriff and was held in an attic of building that was to become the new and current courthouse. In February of 1878, a lynch mob appeared in front of the building and demanded that the sheriff turn Wells over to them. While this was going on; a thunderstorm began and Wells was killed by a lightning while peering out of a garret window. The force of the lightning actually etched his expression into the window. No amount of cleaning could remove it and it is still seen there today.

It is claimed that whenever a thunder and lightning storm goes through Carrollton; Wells’ ghost can be seen staring out of the window.