Greenville in Greenville County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Old Record Building

Photographed By Brian Scott, March 22, 2009

1. The Old Record Building Marker (Repainted)

Inscription. 70 feet south of this point was erected, 1820, the old "Record Building," designed by Robert Mills (1871-1855), famous Charleston architect, designer of the Washington Monument. This building of classic design was county courthouse until 1855; then Record Building until removed 1924. John C. Calhoun spoke from its portico on current issues.

Erected 1938 by Greenville Life Underwriters Association. (Marker Number 23-1.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1820.

Location. 34° 50.923′ N, 82° 23.977′ W. Marker is in Greenville, South Carolina, in Greenville County. Marker can be reached from South Main Street. This marker is behind a seating area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenville SC 29601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vardry McBee (here, next to this marker); Poinsett's Spring (a few steps from this marker); Joel Roberts Poinsett (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Joel Roberts Poinsett (within shouting distance of this marker); Chamber of Commerce Building (within shouting distance of this marker); South Carolina's First National Bank

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named South Carolina's First National Bank (about 300 feet away); Spirit of Freedom (about 300 feet away); City of Greenville 9-11 Plaque (about 300 feet away); Greenville County Courthouse / The Willie Earle Lynching Trial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenville.

Regarding The Old Record Building. The building described no longer stands. In its place is the ten-story former Chamber of Commerce building.

Also see . . .
1. Robert Mills. Robert Mills (August 12, 1781 – March 3, 1855) is sometimes called the first native born American to become a professional architect, though Charles Bulfinch perhaps has a clearer claim to this honor. (Submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington. (Submitted on March 14, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

3. John C. Calhoun

Vicinity of Records Building Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, May 26, 2008

2. Vicinity of Records Building Marker

Also shown here is a statue of Vardry McBee, the “Father of Greenville.” The building in the right rear is the old American Cigar Factory (1902), the largest brick building in downtown Greenville and listed on the National Register July 1, 1982.

. John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 – March 31, 1850) was a leading United States Southern politician from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. (Submitted on February 2, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

Additional commentary.
1. About William B. Coxe
The historical photographs shown were taken by William B. Coxe, a photographer by trade, who moved to Greenville at the end of World War I. Almost immediately, Coxe began to compile a photographic history of his new hometown. Coxe died in 1973 at age 78. In 1989, the Greenville County Historical Society acquired the collections Coxe himself had amassed, in addition to about 120,000 negatives of photos taken by Coxe and his daughter, Isabelle Coxe Cely.

— Submitted September 13, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

2. Early Greenville County Courthouses
The South Carolina General Assembly created Greenville County in 1786 and appointed nine county judges The site of the first court session is unclear and a matter of dispute. Eventually a courthouse was constructed on land belonging to Lemuel Alston in the middle of what is today called

The Old Record Building Marker—Poinsett Hotel in Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, February 20, 2010

3. The Old Record Building Marker—Poinsett Hotel in Background

Court Square on Greenville's current South Main Street. In 1822 construction of the graceful building shown above was begun. It was undoubtedly Greenville's most notable architectural landmark. Later, when a new courthouse was completed in 1855, this building was used to house county records and also offices for the chamber of commerce. The Second Empire-style cupola was added in the latter part of the 19th century. Robert Mills, the United State's first professional architect, is reputed to have been the architect. The building was thoughtlessly demolished in 1924 for a multi-story office building. This act of destruction did not go unnoticed or unchallenged. The Upper South Carolina Historical Society was formed in 1928 to work for historical preservation. This organization later evolved into the Greenville County Historical Society. (Source: Remembering Greenville: Photographs from the Coxe Collection by Jeffrey R. Willis and the Greenville County Historical Society (2006), pg 10.)

— Submitted March 14, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.

Robert Mills<br>1781–1855 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia

4. Robert Mills
1781–1855

Panorama View of Main Street, Looking North -<br>Old Record Building in Far Right image. Click for full size.

William B. Coxe Collection, Greenville County Historical Society, 1900

5. Panorama View of Main Street, Looking North -
Old Record Building in Far Right

Second Greenville County Courthouse -<br>Later Known as the Old Record Building image. Click for full size.

William B. Coxe Collection, Greenville County Historical Society, circa 1905

6. Second Greenville County Courthouse -
Later Known as the Old Record Building

Old Chamber of Commerce Building<br>Site of the Old Record Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, December 24, 2008

7. Old Chamber of Commerce Building
Site of the Old Record Building

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,529 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 23, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 2. submitted on May 26, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on March 13, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 4. submitted on March 14, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on September 13, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7. submitted on March 20, 2009, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.