Walterboro in Colleton County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Colleton County Courthouse

Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 2008

1. Colleton County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. (Front Text):
The original section of this courthouse, completed in 1882 after the county seat moved to Walterboro from Jacksonborough, was built by contractor William Thompson. The front portico is attributed to Robert Mills, who completed an unfinished design by William Jay. The courthouse was in such poor condition within a few years, however, that it was extensively renovated in 1843-44.

(Rear Text):
This courthouse, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, is built of brick covered in stucco scored to imitate stone. It was enlarged in 1916 by a frame wing on the west elevation. In 1937-39 a project of the Works Progress Administration covered the west wing with brick, built a new brick wing on the east elevation and an addition on the north entrance, and remodeled the interior.

Erected 2001 by the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society. (Marker Number 15-18.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Landmarks • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 32° 54.132′ N, 80° 39.984′

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W. Marker is in Walterboro, South Carolina, in Colleton County. Marker is at the intersection of Hampton Street and South Walter Street, on the left when traveling east on Hampton Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Walterboro SC 29488, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Confederate Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Walterboro (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Colleton County Veterans War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Walterboro Jail (about 600 feet away); Walterborough Academy (approx. 0.3 miles away); Walterborough Library Society (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hickory Valley (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Hickory Valley (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Walterboro.

Regarding Colleton County Courthouse. The Colleton County Courthouse is significant architecturally as a fine example of Greek Revival architecture whose design is attributed to Robert Mills and built by J. and B. Lucas, noted Charleston contractors. Constructed in 1820, the Colleton County Courthouse is a handsomely designed brick building stuccoed to represent stone. The entrance façade contains curved stairways with ironwork railings leading to a raised portico with an ironwork balustrade. Four Tuscan columns support the portico’s massive, undecorated

Colleton County Courthouse Marker, Side 2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

2. Colleton County Courthouse Marker, Side 2

entablature. The portico is framed by two pilasters and shelters a double, four-paneled door with sidelights and transom. The roofline is formed by a parapet extending the full width of the entrance façade, where it is surmounted by a shorter, second parapet. An arcaded entrance is below the raised portico. Two large wings were added to the original building in 1939. Its historical significance is derived from the fact that the first public meeting on nullification was held here in June 1828. At this meeting, Robert Barnwell Rhett delivered his militant Walterboro address urging Governor John Taylor to call an immediate session of the state legislature for the purpose of openly resisting tariff laws. In late October 1828, James Hamilton, Jr. organized a second meeting here and proclaimed the necessity of “nullification by the state…of the unauthorized act.” Listed in the National Register May 14, 1971.(South Carolina Department of Archives and History)

Also see . . . National Register of Historic Places. (Submitted on April 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Colleton County Courthouse Marker

Colleton County Courthouse with Controversial Confederate Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

4. Colleton County Courthouse with Controversial Confederate Monument

National Register of Historic Places Plaque seen to right of door image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

5. National Register of Historic Places Plaque seen to right of door

Colleton County Courthouse National Register of Historic Places: image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2011

6. Colleton County Courthouse National Register of Historic Places:

Colleton County Courthouse ** (added 1971 - - #71000765) • Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event •Architect, builder, or engineer: Lucas,J & B, Mills,Robert •Architectural Style: Greek Revival •Area of Significance: Politics/Government, Architecture •Period of Significance: 1825-1849, 1800-1824 •Owner: Local •Historic Function: Government •Historic Sub-function: Courthouse •Current Function: Government

Colleton County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

South Carolina Department of Archives and History, circa 1971

7. Colleton County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,891 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7. submitted on April 14, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.