Alton Lennon Federal Building and Courthouse

The Alton Lennon Federal Building and Courthouse is a federal courthouse in Wilmington built between 1916 and 1919, featuring Classical Revival architecture with light sandstone construction and balanced projecting wings with pedimented porticos. The structure houses the Wilmington Division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The building was designed by architect James A. Wetmore and replaced an 1845 Greek Revival customs house that served Wilmington's maritime trade. This successor structure reflects how the city's federal courthouse needs evolved over many decades.

The building preserves design elements from the original 1840s customs house, and it served as a filming location for the television series Matlock during multiple seasons. This television connection brought recognition to the site beyond Wilmington's borders.

The building is located in downtown Wilmington and is a public site where you can visit or view its exterior without special arrangements. Check ahead if you plan to go inside, as court buildings may have security protocols to follow.

After extensive damage from Hurricane Florence, the building underwent a comprehensive restoration that carefully preserved its classical features. This extensive renovation demonstrates the community's commitment to maintaining historically important structures for future generations.

Location: Wilmington

Inception: 1919

GPS coordinates: 34.23530,-77.95000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41