South Carolina Department of Archives and History
National Register Properties in South Carolina

Lancaster County Courthouse, Lancaster County (104 N. Main St., Lancaster)
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Facade Main Entrace Rear Elevation Interior
Door Surround
Interior
Sidelight Detail
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Interior
Courtroom
Interior
Bench Detail
Confederate Monument

The Lancaster County Courthouse, of probable Robert Mills design and displaying superb craftsmanship, has been in constant use as a courthouse since its ca. 1828 completion. The contractor was Willis W. Alsobrook. This two-story handmade brick building of English bond features Flemish bond framing the windows. A Venetian window is behind the judge’s seat, and chimney placement, doors, and windows set within recessed arches are in the English Palladian manner. The entablature with cornice modillions, the portico pediment and the stucco over brick modified Tuscan columns are of the Roman Revival, or Classical Revival, tradition. Other features include the double flight of steps with arched opening below, iron handrails and banisters, and semi-circular and semi-elliptical fanlights. The first floor walls are solid brick 24 inches thick, the second floor walls are 18 inches thick. A series of double barrel brick vaults supports the second floor and forms the ceiling of the first. The floors were brick but covered with wood in 1892. A ground floor room still retains an original fireplace. The Courthouse square contains an historical marker and Confederate and World War II memorials. As a National Historic Landmark, the Lancaster County Courthouse is considered to “possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating and interpreting the heritage of the United States.” Listed in the National Register February 24, 1971; Designated a National Historic Landmark November 7, 1973.

View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register Property.

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