Newton County Courthouse (Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Newton County Courthouse
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![]() Newton County Courthouse (photograph by Calvin Beale taken in 1969)
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Location | Courthouse Sq., Covington, Georgia |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1884 |
Architect | Bruce & Morgan; Smith, James |
Architectural style | Second Empire |
MPS | Georgia County Courthouses TR |
NRHP reference No. | 80001216 |
Added to NRHP | September 18, 1980 |
The Newton County Courthouse is a very old and important building in Covington, Georgia. It is located in Courthouse Square, right in the center of town. This building serves as the main courthouse for Newton County, Georgia.
It was designed by architects Bruce & Morgan. The courthouse was built in 1884. It has a special look called the Second Empire style. This building is so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 1980.
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What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a public building where legal cases are heard. It is where judges work and trials happen. People go to the courthouse for many reasons. They might go to register to vote or to get a marriage license. It is a very important place for local government.
History of the Newton County Courthouse
The current Newton County Courthouse was not the first one. Before it, another courthouse stood in the same spot. Sadly, that earlier building burned down. This fire happened on December 31, 1883.
Building a New Courthouse
After the fire, people quickly decided to build a new courthouse. They wanted it to be strong and beautiful. The new building was finished in 1884. It has been an important part of Covington ever since.
A Special Design
The courthouse was designed in a style called Second Empire architecture. This style was popular in the late 1800s. Buildings in this style often have tall, fancy roofs. They also feature decorative details and strong, solid shapes. The Newton County Courthouse is a great example of this design.
A National Treasure
The Newton County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the building. It also shows how valuable the courthouse is to the community and the country.
The courthouse has even appeared in old postcards. Two postcards from around 1907 show the building. This proves it has been a landmark for a very long time.