The land in Coffee County was originally part of Dale County, which was incorporated in 1824. Coffee County was formed from the western part of Dale County on December 29, 1841.[3] It was named after John R. Coffee,[4] a hero in the Creek War of 1813—14. The first county seat was in Wellborn. After the courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1851, the county seat was moved to Elba.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_County,_Alabama

In 1852, Elba was chosen as the seat of government and in 1853 the first Elba courthouse was constructed on a site which became Courthouse Square. That first courthouse was burned in 1863 by Confederate deserters, but most of the records were saved.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMFQGX_Coffee_County_Courthouse_Elba_AL