Georgetown County is, of course, named for King George of Great Britain but in this case, it's George II, not George III. The county was created in 1769 and Georgetown was selected as the county seat. The first courthouse was built after 1769 and was destroyed by a hurricane. This is the second courthouse was constructed in 1823 to 1824. A County Judicial Center was completed in 2008 and is a three story orange-red colored brick and concrete structure.
This masterpiece was designed by Robert Mills, who is best known for designing the Washington Monument. It was commissioned after two hurricanes damaged the previous courthouse, this structure was part of a broader effort to stabilize and beautify Georgetown, South Carolina's third-oldest city. The building reflects the ideals of the Classical Revival style, which dominated American public architecture in the early 19th century. It has a symmetrical façade, prominent pediment, and columned portico. The courthouse sits within the original 174.5-acre town plan.
The courthouse has witnessed centuries of legal proceedings, civic debates, and social change. It survived the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the decline of the rice economy that once defined Georgetown. A major restoration was undertaken in 1984, preserving its historic integrity while adapting it for modern use. Today, the courthouse remains a functioning seat of justice and a visual anchor in a town rich with colonial, antebellum, and maritime history.
On a Sunday morning, the building was secured but you can still walk the grounds as you explore downtown Georgetown. There is plenty of street parking and several free municipal lots nearby.
[Review 1398 of 2025 - 1342 in South Carolina - 24950 overall] read more