Dedication of Courthouse
September 28, 2007

"Today, we gather to dedicate again one of the most important structures in the state of South Carolina. This building has served as the seat of government for 185 years and has witnessed natural disasters and wars while sustaining decades of routine wear and tear, but it is safe to say the Colleton County Courthouse has never been in better shape.

From its founding in 1784, Walterboro became a colony of summer residents seeking refuge from the malarial lowlands, but, because of its location, these summer colonists began to stay for longer periods of time. Eventually, it became a permanent community and by 1817 a petition was signed by 72 men to replace Jacksonborough and designate Walterborough as the seat of government for the Colleton District Courthouse to be built, according to plans submitted.

By 1820, the commissioners selected a 3-acre site valued at $150 which belonged to Dr. Hugh McBurney and this is the very site that this building is on today. The standardized plans used by the state called for the structure to be 50 feet by 40 feet with walls having a thickness of 29 inches. The contractor, William N. Thompson signed an agreement to complete the courthouse by January 1, 1822 at a cost of $20,750.

After the contract had been signed, Robert Mills replaced William Jay as chief civil military engineer for the SC Board of Public Works. So, in correspondence with Thompson, Mills suggested the addition of the classic portico with the four Greek Doric columns. With these altered plans, an extension of time was given, and the courthouse was ready for the fall session of court in 1822.

The construction of the courthouse had problems and by 1841, it was in need of major repairs. The grand jury reported a severe need and requested immediate attention. However, many delays occurred, because the commissioners were in hopes of building an entirely new courthouse. But, since no one would purchase the old building the commissioners then contracted Jonathan and Benjamin Lucas to re-construct the building in 1843-44.

Dr. Gene Waddell, an authority on Robert Mills, believes that this renovation was probably designed by the contractors using the Mills style, but he believes it is one of the finest courthouses in the state which comes the closest to capturing Mill's essence.

It was also during that reconstruction, we believe, the materials from the old courthouse at Jacksonboro were recycled into this building. Fortunately for us, through the efforts of Jonathan and Benjamin Lucas, this building was saved.

Much history has been made in this courthouse and many important people have visited here. One visitor who was expected, but never arrived, was General William T. Sherman. During his march through SC in 1865, many believed he would come to Walterboro, and they feared the courthouse would be destroyed. Legend says the records were loaded on a two-horse wagon to be taken to Columbia for safekeeping! And you know what happened to Columbia. So whether the records reached Columbia and were burned or dumped into the Edisto River as tradition suggested, we all know that is very difficult to research the records prior to 1865. If only the records had been left within the sturdy walls of this building, they would have been safe and secure and answered many questions about our history.

Over the years as government agencies increased, new additions were made to this building. The west wing was added in 1916. Then, in 1937-39, the Works Progress Administration covered the west wing with brick, added a new east wing, built an addition to the north entrance and remodeled the interior.

Since then, only minor renovations have been made, and all have been careful to retain the Millsian identity. The courtroom also maintains its historic appearance with the beautiful medallion centering the ceiling.

As in earlier history, this building needed to be adjusted to the needs of security and a growing court system. Thankfully, through the leadership of Judge Perry Buckner and Clerk of Court Pat Grant, our elected officials saw need for a preservation project rather than the demolition of an architectural treasure. The cost of $3 million to save the most important building in Colleton County for posterity is money well spent and should ensure that the Colleton County Courthouse will continue to serve the citizens of this county for generations to come."

Our Thanks to Contributing Author 
Laura Lynn Hughes