7 Best Courthouse Squares In North Carolina

From the exceptional Georgian symmetry to the towering Corinthian columns that give them a commanding look, and elegant clock-topped cupolas, North Carolina courthouses are unique attractions to feast your eyes on. The best part is that they are nostalgic spots that carry echoes of a bygone era, of meetings that changed the course of history, and of debates that shaped local and regional legislation. Many of the lawns that preface them, now regarded as proper town squares, are sites of epic community events and activities that bring residents together. But which are the best? Continue reading to discover the 7 best courthouse squares in North Carolina.

Rutherfordton County Courthouse, Rutherfordton

Rutherfordton’s Main Street climbs a gentle hill before passing between rows of neat brick buildings. At the crest of the hill are several churches, a cluster of old homes, and the imposing Rutherford County Courthouse. The Rutherford County Courthouse, a classic Revival-style building with six towering Corinthian columns, is located at 229 N. Main Street. It was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Commanding an entire block on the west side of Main Street, this prominent community fixture is the brainwork of Louis H. Asbury, Sr., a leading Charlotte architect, reputed to be the first professionally trained, full-time architect to be born and to practice in North Carolina. Across the street is Rutherford Thai, a cool place to grab an authentic Thai dish before exploring other attractions along the stretch, such as the KidSenses Children's Interactive Museum, which offers many interactive activities, including a broadcast station with green screen tech, where kids can operate the camera or sit at the news desk with a microphone. History nerds will want to pass by The Bechtler House to learn about the man who minted America's first one-dollar gold coin several years before the U.S. Mint.

Caswell County Courthouse, Yanceyville

Yanceyville has two courthouses: an old one built in 1861 and a much newer one, known for its simpler, more functional design. Although you can attribute it to the nostalgic appeal of old things, the former courthouse, a monumental embodiment of Victorian institutional architecture, is incredibly beautiful. Its architecture is among the most unique in the state, especially in its combination of Italian Romanesque and Classical features. It was designed by William Percival, an enigmatic architect who designed several boldly stylish and dramatic edifices during his brief but colorful tenure in North Carolina. With a ceiling worthy of a Victorian opera house, this imposing edifice is certainly one of the finest Victorian courthouses in North Carolina. When in the area, be sure to pass by the Richmond-Miles History Museum, which focuses on the history of Caswell County. Maud Gatewood's Home, which houses the museum, was built in 1822 and, therefore, is an attraction in its own right. You will also want to explore the Caswell Community Arboretum, which has a small, beautiful trail that is mostly wheelchair-accessible.

Chowan County Courthouse & Square, Edenton

The Chowan County Courthouse, built in 1767, is often regarded as the finest Georgian courthouse in the South, not just in North Carolina. The design and construction are widely attributed to John Hawks, the architect of Tryon Palace, who was active in the period and region. Tyrone Palace was considered one of the most impressive public buildings in the American colonies at the time. Built almost a decade before the Declaration of Independence, the Chowan County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse still in active use in North Carolina. In April 1819, President James Monroe came to town and attended a public dinner at the courthouse. King Street Marketplace, just across the street, is a highly cherished local gem that offers a nice selection of teas, scones, and candles. It also offers teapots, books, beautiful paintings, and a great assortment of art merchandise. After working up a healthy appetite ambling through the streets, nab a chair at Downtown Roots, a fantastic sandwich shop with fresh salads and delicious dressings. After this, zigzag your way to Queen Anne Park, a soothing place to soak up the scenery of Edenton Bay.

Old Davidson County Courthouse, Lexington

After tearing down the first courthouse that was believed to be a conservative red brick building with two stories and a simple portico, Lexington put up what many regard to be the grandest of North Carolina's antebellum county courthouses. The former was built in the 1820s; the second one in 1858. Architecture historians regard the second courthouse as one of the foremost examples of temple-form Greek Revival architecture. A third courthouse was constructed about 100 years later, and today, the second courthouse in Lexington is typically referred to as “the Old Courthouse or the old Davidson County Courthouse.” Pig City Books, tucked away behind the old courthouse, is an adorable small indie bookstore with a great selection of books. Punctuate your adventure with a latte and a muffin at Perfect Blend on Main Street, then duck inside Missions Pottery & More, a 5-star rated business with an incredibly vast selection of pottery and stunning handmade pieces. The best part is that Perfect Blend is directly connected to Missions Pottery.

Old Swain County Courthouse, Bryson City

Built in a Classical Revival style with Ionic columns, a decorative pediment, and an elegant cupola with a clock, the Old Swain County Courthouse exhibits considerable architectural finesse. With its white stucco and classical detailing, features that give it an old, timeless look, this building is one of the most admirable edifices in downtown Bryson. The 1908 landmark is the third courthouse to be constructed after fire razed both the first and second courthouses. The fourth and present courthouse was constructed from 1980 to 1982. The design work for the old courthouse is credited to Frank Pierce Milburn of Washington, D.C., who constructed many beautiful courthouses across the United States. Although it has been around for over a century, most of its finishing details remain intact. It now serves as a visitor center with the Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore occupying the first floor, while the Swain County Heritage Museum occupies the first and second floors. Steps away are the Friends of the Marianna Black Library Used Bookstore, known for its exceptional collection of books and other interesting non-literature items, and The Everett Hotel, an eye-catching red-brick boutique hotel set in a 1908 bank.

Madison County Courthouse, Marshall

The Madison County Courthouse, a two-story Neo-Classical Revival brick structure located in the heart of Marshall, was built in 1907. It was designed by Richard Sharp Smith, a talented English-born architect later famous as the supervising architect of The Biltmore House. Interesting historical markers dot its lawn, while its cupola, a four-stage polygonal beauty with ornate elements, is regularly named among the most impressive courthouse cupolas in North Carolina. It cost $30,000 to build, but it is currently closed for renovations. Main Street Comics and Games is just a short drive away and boasts a solid collection of comics to browse, as does Flow, a wonderful mini-gallery featuring an eclectic collection of talented local artists and art pieces. After this, Zuma Coffee should be next in line, where you will likely prefer to sit outside at the tables on the sidewalk, and enjoy delicious coffee while people-watching.

Orange County Historical Courthouse, Hillsborough

The Old Orange County Courthouse is a 1844 Greek Revival building, prominently positioned at the corner of Hillsborough's Churton and King streets. It was designed and built by Hillsborough native John Berry, and at completion, it was immediately hailed as a resounding architectural masterpiece, including by publications such as the Hillsborough Recorder. According to some accounts, the cupola clock atop the courthouse was donated by Lord Hillsborough, the then Secretary of State for the Colonies, and for whom the town was named. The courthouse lawn is often the site of many outdoor musical performances and acts as a ‘town square’ in several respects. Saratoga Grill, a cozy, old-school restaurant on Churton Street, serves delicious clam chowder and housemade scones in a quaint atmosphere. Hillsborough Wine Company, a few steps away, is a great place to try wine before you buy, and the customer service is a whole praise-worthy feature by itself. From here, snake your way to Hillsborough Gallery of Arts, whose wide variety of exhibits includes the art of Pat Merriman, a co-founder of the gallery.

So, although courthouses were first and foremost places where members of a community gathered to resolve disputes, they often served a second purpose: showcasing the grandest and most noble expressions of architecture. At times, this reflected civic pride; at others, practical needs shaped their design. As one of the Original Thirteen colonies, the Tar Heel State boasts a rich abundance of these remarkably beautiful masterpieces, and one thing is for sure: You will have a blast exploring them.