Old Richmond County Courthouse

Infobox_nrhp
name = Old Richmond County Courthouse


caption =The Old Richmond County Courthouse
built =1801
nearest_city = Augusta, Georgia
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locmapin = Georgia
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architect = Unknown
architecture = Regency
designated = December 22, 1978 [http://WWW.NR.NPS.GOV/iwisapi/explorer.dll?lWS_SCHEMA=NRIS1&IWS_LOGIN=1&IWS_REPORT=100000039]
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governing_body = LocalThe Old Richmond County Courthouse, (also known as the Old Government House) is a historic courthouse located in Downtown Augusta, Georgia. It housed the seat of the local government from 1801 to 1821. It is one of the oldest remaining public buildings in the city.

History

19th Century

The Old Government House was built in 1801 and housed the seat of the local government. In 1821, the government sold the building to former Mayor Samuel Hale. He converted the Old Government House into an elegant residence. Many other prominent families lived in the building including those of Colonel Paul Fitzsimmons, a Charleston ship magnate, Colonel James Gardner, and James Gregg, son of the founder of Graniteville Mills. In 1877, Dr. Eugene Murphy purchased the property. His family live in the building for 75 years.

20th Century

Dr. Murphy sold the estate to the Augusta Junior League in 1952. The organization used it as a reception facility until the 1970s, when they gave it to Historic Augusta. The City of Augusta purchased the property in 1987. City officials hired VGR Architect, to revitalize the Old Government House into a reception hall to retain its historic significance.

Architecture

The architecture of the Old Government House has a historic impact on Augusta. It was built in a Federal style brick with parapet end chimneys. When the building became a residence, the owner stuccoed the walls adding the elaborate recessed wings, iron portico, balcony, and trimmed windows. These changes were made in 1821 and 1839.

Today

Today, the Old Government House is a historic reception hall that accommodates various parties and receptions. It can also be seen on the city flag.

References

External Links

* [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/Augusta/oldgovernment.html Old Government House on National Park Service]