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| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Charlottesville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic) |
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Historic Courthouse Square
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By J. J. Prats, May 2, 2009 | |
| | | 1. Historic Courthouse Square Marker | | |
Inscription. This building, in continuous use as a
courthouse for over 200 years, is one of America’s most historic. No other courthouse has been used by three early
American Presidents at the same time, The original wood frame courthouse was erected on a two-acre lot in 1762 when
the city was founded by Dr. Thomas
Walker. Here local elections were held and the County Court conducted business with the help of young attorneys and magistrates such as Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. These men along with
James Madison
later became
Presidents and
could at times
be seen here
together.
After a stirring
patriotic sermon
by Rev. Charles
Clay on a public
Fast Day in 1774
the freeholders
of Albemarle
County met here and made a resolution to the Virginia House of Burgesses that called for a boycott of trade with England and for a meeting of a Continental Congress.
When the British attacked Richmond in the summer of 1781 the Virginia General
Assembly made Charlottesville its temporary emergency capital and met here for deliberations, including Patrick Henry, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson,
Richard Henry Lee, John Tyler and Daniel Boone.
The courthouse was also a place of worship and Jefferson himself helped organize | | | | 
By J. J. Prats, May 2, 2009 | |
| | | 2. Historic Courthouse Square Marker | | |
an independent congregation led by Rev. Clay beginning in 1777 called
the Calvinistical Reformed Church. A member of this church, Col John Harvie, introduced Jefferson’s famous Bill for Religious Freedom to the Virginia legislature that same year. Many years later Jefferson called the courthouse the “common temple” and proudly spoke of its use each Sunday by four Protestant denominations in turn.
The square was enclosed with a railing in 1792 and a second building of
brick was built in place of the
wooden structure in 1803 and now forms the north
wing to your right. It faced a public square with taverns and
shops behind you (on today’s Park Street). A whipping post, stocks, pillory and a stone jail stood on this public square that also was the commercial center of the town. The south wing of this courthouse, which is located behind this display was built in 1860 in the
Gothic Revival style and was modified to its current appearance in the 1930’s as part of an extensive renovation. This work restored the Colonial features of the original building and remodeled the portico in the Colonial Revival style.
Location. 38° 1.894′ N, 78° 28.641′ W. Marker is in Charlottesville, Virginia| | | | 
By J. J. Prats, May 2, 2009 | |
| | | 3. A Bicentennial Tribute | | This plaque is near the marker and reads, “A Bicentennial tribute to the memory of the United States. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe associated with this courthouse in Albemarle County, Virginia. Given on All Presidents Day April 30, 1976 by the Shadwall Chapter, National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution.” | | |
. Marker is on Park Street north of East Market Street, on the left when traveling north. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlottesville VA 22902, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Old Swan Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Monticello (within shouting distance of this marker); Albemarle Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Jack Jouett’s Ride (within shouting distance of this marker); Watering Fountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Paul Goodloe McIntire (about 300 feet away); Stone Tavern and Central Hotel (about 500 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Charlottesville. |
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By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008 | |
| | | 4. Charlottesville Courthouse | | |
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By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008 | |
| | | 5. DAR 1938 Tablet | | This tablet is set into the wall high up on the front portico of the courthouse. It reads, “Albemarle County, Founded A.D. 1744 from a portion of Goochland County. Named for the second Earl of Albemarle. Inscribed by the Albemarle Chapter D.A.R. 1838.” | | |
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By Rembrandt Peale, 1805 | |
| | 6. Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the United States | | Reproduced from the original painting by the New York Historical Society. From Wikipedia Commons. | | |
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By Gilbert Stuart, circa 1821 | |
| | 7. James Madison
Fourth President of the United States | | From Wikipedia Commons collection. | | |
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By William James Hubbard, circa 1832 | |
| | 8. James Monroe
Fifth President of the United States | | From Wikipedia Commons collection. | | |
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Credits. This page originally submitted on June 6, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,365 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 6, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 7, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia.
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