Kingstree in Williamsburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old Muster Ground and Courthouse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2009
1. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse Marker
This lot was designated the parade ground in the original survey of the town in 1737. It served as the muster ground for the local militia during colonial and Revolutionary times. The present courthouse, designed by Robert Mills, was built in 1823. The second story burned in 1883 and was repaired. The courthouse was enlarged in 1901 and remodelled again in 1954.
Erected 1964 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored by Margaret Gregg Gorden Chapter, D.A.R., Williamsburg County. (Marker Number 45-4.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1737.
Location. 33° 39.809′ N, 79° 49.869′ W. Marker is in Kingstree, South Carolina, in Williamsburg County. It is on West Main Street (State Highway 261) east of South Jackson Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 147 West Main Street, Kingstree SC 29556, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Williamsburg County Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Williamsburg Courthouse and Historic District
this page online
Regarding Old Muster Ground and Courthouse. The Williamsburg County Courthouse is located within the Kingstree Historic District.
Also see . . .
1. Kingstree Historic District. The Kingstree Historic District contains forty-eight properties situated along Main Street, Academy Street, and Hampton Street in the
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 3, 2009
2. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse Marker
2. 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 3, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Williamsburg County, South Carolina. Official website of Williamsburg County, South Carolina. (Submitted on February 3, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
4. Williamsburg County, South Carolina. Williamsburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. (Submitted on February 3, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Williamsburg County Courthouse, Main Street: ca. 1823
Designed by the noted architect Robert Mills, the courthouse was constructed ca. 1823 at a cost of $10,000.00. The building has been continually used as a public courthouse since its construction. In 1883, the second story burned but damage was minor and repairs were completed within a year. In 1953-1954, wings were added to the rear of the courthouse and exterior remodeling was undertaken which included
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 3, 2009
3. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse Marker
The courthouse is a fine example of Roman Classicism with its raised first floor, pediment with lunette, and Doric columns. The main story has a central doorway flanked by four windows. The entablature once featured triglyphs and metopes but these were removed in the 1954 remodeling. Although the courthouse has been altered it still reflects must of Mills's original design. The courthouse grounds contain a Confederate monument erected May 10, 1910 by the Williamsburg Chapter U.D.C. and citizens of the county. (Source: National Register nomination form.)
— Submitted February 3, 2010, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 3, 2009
4. Courthouse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 3, 2009
5. Williamsburg County Courthouse
S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, circa 1950
6. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse
S.C. Dept. of Archives and History, circa 1982
7. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse
Historic American Buildings Survey
8. Williamsburg County Courthouse
Historic American Engineering Record,HABS SC,45-KING,2-1
Photographed by SCIway
9. Williamsburg County Map
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 15, 2024
10. Old Muster Ground and Courthouse Marker
Heavy peeling and deterioration on both sides of the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,779 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on April 30, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 9. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 10. submitted on October 15, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
