Shelby County was created on January 23, 1827 and was formed from Morgan County. The County was named after Isaac Shelby, a soldier of the Revolution and Indian wars, Governor of Kentucky from 1792 to 1796 and again from 1812 to 1816. He commanded the Kentucky troops in the battle of Thames in the War of 1812.

The Shelby County Courthouse is a beautiful building with a unique architecture, which is indicative of Victorian-Gothic design. The courthouse was completed in 1879. Paintings of the Lincoln-Thornton debate and historically significant people are all on display along with its unique architecture. Unfortunately a great deal of art and records were destroyed in a fire on November 17, 1894. There is a lot to see and the courthouse is one of the "must-see" attractions in history Shelbyville.