Jackson County was named for the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). He…read morewas President from 1829 to 1837 after serving as a US Army general and serving as both a Congressman (1796-1797) and Senator (1823-1825). Jackson County was formed in 1831 and Ripley has been the county seat the entire time. The current courthouse was completed in 1919 and is the third to serve the citizens of Jackson County. The building faces east and is a three story limestone and concrete structure. On the center of the roof is an octagonal white colored cupola with clock at the top. The building houses the County Circuit Court of the 5th Judicial Circuit, County Magistrate Court and County Family Court. When stopping by today, there was a farmer's market underway on the courthouse grounds. You'll also find a number of memorials, a Little Free Library and a markers pointing out local historical events including one notes about the county's participation in the Civil War. [Review 578 of 2025 - 162 in West Virginia - 24139 overall]

The courthouse is a two-story sandstone construction that faces north. It was constructed in 1892…read moreand is a striking example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, distinguished by its dramatic massing and rough stones. It is located across from Charleston City Hall and occupies the entire city block. The building has a regal appearance thanks to its twin towers with pyramidal roofs, arched belfry openings, and limestone colonnettes. Kanawha County was founded in 1789 with parts of Greenbrier and Montgomery Counties under the authorization of the Virginia General Assembly. It was named for the Kanawha River, itself derived from a Native American word believed to mean either "waterway" or "place of white stones." During the Civil War, Kanawha County was a strategic site, contributing troops to both Union and Confederate forces. Its divided loyalties reflected the broader tensions that led to the creation of West Virginia in 1863. Kanawha is West Virginia's most populous county. There is street parking all around. Some of it metered. I managed to find a legal space so that I could explore the courthouse and photograph. It's an impressive building! [Review 565 of 2025 - 150 in West Virginia - 24126 overall]

Pike County is named for Zebulon Pike, who discovered Pikes Peak (Colorado). The courthouse…read morebuilding was completed in 1889 and was designed by the McDonald Brothers. It was remodeled extensively in the 1930s and still retains is Classical Revival design. The building has a symmetrical façade and a clock tower and a small square cupola. The first story has horizontal lined brickwork and the second and third stories have a light colored brick construction. The historical marker in front was erected in 1990 and points out some history, reading "Courthouse erected 1888-89 by McDonald Bros.; later renovated 1932-33. Here was scene of Hatfield clan trials for murders of Tolbert, Randolph, Jr., Pharmer, Alifair, and Calvin McCoy. The defendants lodged in adjacent jail; found guilty and sentenced to life in prison except Ellison Mounts, hanged February 18, 1890. Courthouse and jail part of Hatfield-McCoy Feud Historic Dist." It is marker number 1866 and was erected by the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Department of Highways. The grounds have a number of monuments and such. There is street parking and a parking deck nearby which also serves the adjacent Appalachian Wireless Arena. [Review 630 of 2025 - 321 in Kentucky - 24191 overall]

The parking here is extremely limited. There are a few spots on the street, but are limited to a…read moretwo hour maximum. If you have business to conduct at the courthouse be prepared to park off site and walk a short distance. The staff at the assessors office are professional and very helpful.

After seeing the building and certainly the "1937" over the recessed entrance, I knew before…read moreresearching that this was definitely a WPA construction. Built in an Art Deco style from Indiana limestone, it is a three-story structure that includes a full basement. It is the third courthouse to serve the residents of Raleigh County, the first built in 1852 and the second in 1893. Raleigh County was established in 1850 from part of Fayette County which was then Virginia. It is named in honor of explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. On the grounds of the courthouse, I found monuments honoring Alfred Beckley, Civil War history, and the victims of the Eccles mine disasters. Beckley, the namesake of this town, was the only surviving child of John James Beckley, the first Librarian of Congress and Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. [Review 555 of 2025 - 142 in West Virginia - 24116 overall]