Wayne County was established on November 2, 1779, during the Revolutionary War, carved from the western part of Dobbs County. It was named for General Anthony "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a daring and trusted officer under George Washington. It was settled by English and Scotch-Irish colonists who moved inland from the coastal regions after 1750. The original county seat was Waynesborough, established in 1787 on land owned by Andrew Bass, but it was later moved to Goldsboro in 1850 following public votes in 1845 and 1847.
The Wayne County Courthouse was completed in 1913. Designed by prolific architect Frank Pierce Milburn in a Classical Revival style. I've seen other Milburn courthouses including Columbia County (Lake City Florida), Wise County (Virginia), Boyd County (Catlettsburg Kentucky) and Lowndes County (Valdosta Georga).
The courthouse absolutely reflects the grandeur and power of the county. Its most striking features are the large porticos on the east, north, and west facades, each supported by four classical columns that rise to pediments at the roofline. Inside, the main courtroom occupies the second floor, serving both the County Superior Court and County District Court of the 8th Judicial District.
There is street parking nearby and don't miss Veterans Memorial Park across the street.
[Review 752 of 2025 - 4184 in North Carolina - 24312 overall] read more