Goochland in Goochland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Goochland County Courthouse
The Goochland Court House survives as one of the better preserved and most beautiful Roman Revival or Jeffersonian court houses of Piedmont Virginia. As a shelter for local democracy, the county court house provided the perfect opportunity to give tangible expression to Jefferson's ideals.
—Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission, Application for National Register of Historic Places, 1970
In the early years of the Republic, the courthouse was often the most architecturally advanced and noteworthy building in the county. Many people have stood before a judge and jury in this courthouse. Since 1827 trials have settled disputes and ordered punishment for crimes. While "30 lashes well laid on" or five hours in the stocks are no longer examples of county justice, this courthouse stands as witness to Goochland's place in American history. As local historian Helene Barrett Agee wrote in Facets of Goochland (Virginia) County's History (1962), "Whatever the past, whatever the future, on court days of the now the bell rings out loud and clear, the Sheriff repeats the ritual 'Oyez! Oyez! * * * *,' the people rise, the Judge enters, and Court is in session!"
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Confederate Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Clerk's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of All Veterans (within shouting distance of this marker); Goochland's Courthouse Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Goochland's Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Goochland County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Goochland County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Goochland Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goochland.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 448 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
