Old Isle of Wight Courthouse, Colonial courthouse in Smithfield, Virginia.
The Old Isle of Wight Courthouse is a colonial-era court building in Smithfield distinguished by its semicircular apse and conical roof. The structure preserves its original layout with covered arcades and stands on its original site.
The building was constructed from 1750 to 1751 by William Rand and served as the primary courthouse for Isle of Wight County until 1800. After that date, court operations shifted to a new location, leaving the structure without its original purpose.
The building displays design features that echo colonial architecture from Williamsburg, showing how courts were constructed during that era. You can see how the semicircular apse and conical roof reflected the courthouse's importance within the community.
The site is accessible without admission fees and offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. It helps to check opening times in advance, as these may vary depending on the season.
After closure as a courthouse, the building was converted into a residence during the 1800s, with the arcades filled in and the roof altered. These modifications partially conceal the original structure, though its essential features remain visible.
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