Kanawha County Courthouse

The Kanawha County Courthouse is a large judicial building in Charleston with two prominent towers topped by pyramid-shaped roofs. The facade displays grey limestone blocks with rough-faced masonry and decorative pillar details framing the curved openings of the bell towers.

The building was constructed in 1892 and received expansions in 1917 and 1924. In 1978 it gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places for its historical value.

The courthouse keeps records of births, marriages, and deaths that connect visitors to their family past. These documents matter to residents and descendants searching for their local roots.

Access to documents is normally available on weekdays, and visitors should check specific hours before arriving. The building sits in downtown Charleston, making it easy to visit while exploring the city.

The building stretches across an entire city block and blends two different architectural styles that do not typically go together. This combination of styles shows how construction techniques changed during the expansion phases.

Location: West Virginia

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture, Richardsonian Romanesque

GPS coordinates: 38.35080,-81.63940

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00