Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Taylor County Courthouse
Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021
1. Taylor County Courthouse Marker
The seat of Taylor County was moved from Pruntytown to Grafton in 1878 whereupon construction began on this courthouse built on property purchased from the heirs of early Grafton settler Michael Boland. While construction was in progress, court was held in the Brinkman Opera House.
The building opened in 1880 and was completed in 1882. The three story structure housed a jail on the first floor, the jailer's residence as well as offices for county and circuit clerks on the second floor, and the courtroom on the third floor. The building originally included a turret on the east corner, a tall tower on the west corner, and a statue of Justice atop the pedimented central dormer. Plans for the structure were drawn up by a Parkersburg architect by the name of Werne and James Davidson served as the contractor.
A two story hip roof addition with arched windows, brick corbelling and corner chimneys was added to the west side in the 1920s.
Erected by West Virginia Humanities Council and Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 39° 20.48′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome To Historic Grafton West Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); Grafton (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonafede Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colerider Block (about 300 feet away); Forcella Buildings (about 400 feet away); Loar Building (about 400 feet away); Jolliffe Building (about 500 feet away); Brinkman Block (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021
2. Taylor County Courthouse Marker
Marker can be seen at the far right side of the photo.
Photographed By Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021
3. Taylor County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
