Charleston County Courthouse (Charleston, South Carolina)

 courthouse, historical building

The Charleston County Courthouse is one of the most important buildings in the state. First built in 1753 as the provincial capitol for the colony of South Carolina, the building was reconstructed in 1792 and used for the Charleston district courts. The original Statehouse building was two stories high with an elaborate lobby and grand staircase.

Provincial court met on the groundfloor, the Commons House of Assembly and the Royal Governor's Council Chamber met on the second floor. The Statehouse was part of the original Civic Square planned for in the Grand Modell of Charles Town, now known as "Four Corners of the Law," at the central intersection of Broad and Meeting Streets.

Architecturally and geographically the building signaled to Charleston's citizens and visitors the city's importance within the British colonies. From the second story balcony overlooking Meeting Street, great affairs of state were announced to the public, including the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in South Carolina.

100 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401-2206
Phone: (843) 958-5000
Fax: (843) 958-5020

www3.charlestoncounty.org/docs/CoC/index.html
www.cr.nps.gov/NR/travel/charleston/ccc.htm