Chatham in Pittsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First County Courthouse
Vicinity of Callands
| | The First Pittsylvania County Courthouse 1767 | |
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, March 7, 2026
1. First County Courthouse Marker
In 1767 the Virginia House of Burgesses divided Halifax County to create Pittsylvania County. They named it for William Pitt, First Earl of Chatham, who earned the gratitude of the colonists for his defense of America before Parliament in 1765. The county seat was to be located near the headwaters of the Sandy River today and named Chatham. However, the community now known as Callands was known as Pittsylvania Courthouse for the 10 years it existed. No written records describe a courthouse or its location. Traditionally, the Callands Store on Sago Road has been considered as the possible site. The 1767 Clerks Office is documented.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1767.
Location. 36° 49.542′ N, 79° 23.932′ W. Marker is in Chatham, Virginia, in Pittsylvania County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Main Street and Pruden Street, on the left when traveling north. The marker is mounted at eye-level on the north side of Competition Alley, near the west end of the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Virginia, specifically in the Piedmont, and in Southside Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in 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: Second County Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Third County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Fourth County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fifth County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Competition Alley (within shouting distance of this marker); Giles Gateway Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ex Parte Virginia (about 300 feet away); Pittsylvania Court House
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 11, 2024
2. First County Courthouse Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Competition Alley
Also see . . . 1767 Callands Clerk's Office. Excerpt:
The clerks office was built around 1770 after Pittsylvania County was cut from Halifax County in 1767. In 1966, the building was given to the people of Pittsylvania County by owners Landon E. Oakes and J. Clyde Oakes to be maintained for all to enjoy as the first official building after Pittsylvania became a county in June 1767.(Submitted on July 17, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 11, 2024
3. First County Courthouse Marker
Looking northeast from the west end of Competition Alley; marker is on the left.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 11, 2024
4. Competition Alley
Looking west from South Main Street. This marker is out of sight at the far end of the alley. It is the 1st of 5 markers mounted along the north/right wall from west to east.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 16, 2026
5. First County Courthouse
Located in Callands.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 16, 2026
6. First County Courthouse
Located in Callands.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 16, 2026
7. First County Courthouse
Located in Callands.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 226 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 8, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 16, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 16, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia.
