Courthouse, Williamsburg

The Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse stands as a prominent architectural landmark in Williamsburg, constructed in the Georgian style between 1770 and 1771. The courthouse's historical significance is underscored by its inclusion as a contributing property to the Williamsburg Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places since October 15, 1966. Acquired by Colonial Williamsburg in 1928, the courthouse embodies the colonial-era legal system and serves as a tangible link to Williamsburg's rich history.

Originally housing two distinct court systems, the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse accommodated both the James City County Court and the Hustings Court. The courthouse's architectural features reflect its Georgian design, characterized by red brick construction adorned with white wooden trim-boards and long arched windows complemented by white shutters. Notable elements include a projected portico over one of the entrances, a distinctive feature in Georgian architecture, and a hipped roof crowned by an entablature with dentil moldings. The roof's design incorporates a central octagonal drum topped with a dome and spire, adding to the courthouse's grandeur and architectural significance.

Beyond its architectural allure, the Colonial Williamsburg Courthouse holds historical significance as the site where Benjamin Waller famously read aloud the Declaration of Independence on July 25, 1776, shortly after its arrival from Philadelphia. Additionally, during the Civil War, the courthouse served as a vital establishment, transitioning from a center of legal proceedings to a makeshift hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers following the Battle of Williamsburg.