Hanover County Courthouse facts for kids
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Hanover County Courthouse
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Historic Hanover County Courthouse and Hanover Civil War Memorial
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 Location in Virginia
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| Location | Hanover Court House, Virginia |
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| Built | 1735 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Hanover County Courthouse Historic District (ID71000980) |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000247 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 1, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated CP | September 22, 1971 |
The Hanover County Courthouse is a very old and important building in Hanover Courthouse, Virginia. It was built around 1735, making it one of the oldest courthouses in the United States still used today. This courthouse is famous because Patrick Henry, a key figure in American history, argued a big case here in 1763 called the Parson's Cause.
In 1973, the courthouse was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place of great national importance. While a newer court complex handles most cases now, the old courthouse is still used for some events.
Discovering the Historic Hanover Courthouse
The Hanover County Courthouse is in the small town of Hanover Courthouse. It sits on a green area next to United States Route 301. Other old buildings from the 1700s are also nearby. Together, they form the Hanover County Courthouse Historic District.
The courthouse is a one-story building made of brick. It has a tall, sloped roof with decorative edges. There are three chimneys on the roof. The building is shaped like the letter "T". The main courtroom is in the back part of the "T". The judge's rooms are on the left side, and a room for the jury is on the right. The front of the building has a cool design with rounded archways.
A Look Back at the Courthouse's History
Hanover County was created in 1720 by the Colony of Virginia. The courthouse was built about 15 years later, around 1735. It is believed that William Meriwether built it. He also owned the original Hanover Tavern, which is just across the main road. The design of this courthouse was likely inspired by the courthouse in King William County.
Patrick Henry and the Parson's Cause
A very important event happened here in 1763. Patrick Henry, who lived and worked as a lawyer in Hanover County, argued a famous case. It was called the Parson's Cause. This case was about King George III of Britain. The King had stopped a local law that changed how much money local church leaders were paid. The people and the local government in Virginia did not agree with the King's decision.
Patrick Henry represented the county. He bravely argued that the King was acting like a tyrant. He said the King was overturning local laws without caring what his subjects wanted. This case was an early example of colonists standing up to the King.
Today, a new court complex was built next to the old courthouse in 1979. However, the historic 1735 courthouse is still used sometimes. It helps with busy court schedules and is also used for special events.
