The Robert Mills Courthouse

The Robert Mills Courthouse. . This Camden landmark, constructed between 1825 and 1830, is the work of architect Robert Mills (1781-1855). Mills, America's first professionally trained architect, worked for and later consulted with the state of South Carolina from 1820 until 1829. He designed many of the state's public buildings and oversaw a number of internal improvements. Later, Mills designed public buildings in several other states and in Washington D.C. The Washington Monument is perhaps his best known work., Mills' original design for this courthouse featured six Ionic columns supporting the full facade portico. In the interior, a double flight of stairs in a vestibule on the first floor provided access to the second floor., In the 1840s, a major remodel replaced the original columns with four Doric columns, removed the interior stairs, and created the exterior stairs leading to the second floor. The design and arrangement of the second floor courtroom and anterooms were also altered., The remaining hallmark of Mills' original design is the engineering of the arched and vaulted first floor, the thick masonry walls, and the shape of the building. He constructed this building to be fireproof, a major concern in public building construction during his day., The six Ionic capitals seen here are the original architectural elements chosen by Robert Mills. Through the years, they were hauled away to various locations in Camden and used as carriage mounts, stepping stones, and garden ornaments. In 2017, the capitals were returned to their original home.