Pittsylvania County Courthouse

The Pittsylvania County Courthouse is a two-story brick structure dating from the 1850s with a striking Greek Revival portico. Four fluted Doric columns support the pediment at the front entrance, while a slender cupola rises from the roof.

The courthouse was constructed in 1853 to replace an earlier judicial building that had become inadequate for the county's needs. It later became the site of a landmark 1878 case that expanded federal constitutional protections to cover state actions.

The building served as a setting for pivotal legal debates and its design reflects how the community viewed the importance of justice. The imposing structure and formal layout still convey the weight of the judicial decisions made within its walls.

The courthouse is located on North Main Street in downtown Chatham and can be easily explored from the outside. Keep in mind this is an active judicial building, so some areas may have access restrictions depending on court schedules.

The building is connected to the founding history of Pittsylvania County, which was named after a prominent British statesman who shaped colonial American affairs. This historical naming choice reflects the region's connections to British governance during the colonial period.

Location: Chatham

Inception: 1853

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 36.82530,-79.39830

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40