Old Effingham County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Effingham County Courthouse
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The courthouse in 2015
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | 901 N. Pine St., Springfield, Georgia |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1908–1909 |
| Architect | Hyman C. Whitcover |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical (Palladian) |
| MPS | Georgia County Courthouses TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001016 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 1980 |
The Old Effingham County Courthouse is a very old and important building in Springfield, Georgia. It used to be the main place where the county's government worked and where court cases were heard. Springfield is the "county seat" of Effingham County. This means it's the main town for the county's government and official business. You can find this historic building at 901 North Pine Street.
Contents
Building a Landmark
The Old Effingham County Courthouse was designed by a talented architect named Hyman C. Whitcover. He was from Savannah, Georgia. The building was constructed between 1908 and 1909. It cost about $40,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
Construction started soon after a railroad line reached Springfield. This new railroad made it easier to bring building materials to the town. The courthouse was built to replace an even older one from 1849.
A Special Style of Architecture
The courthouse was built in the Neoclassical style. This style is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings. It often features grand columns and balanced designs. The building also has elements of Palladian style. This is a type of Neoclassical design that follows the ideas of an Italian architect named Andrea Palladio. These styles make the courthouse look very formal and impressive.
A Place of History
Because of its importance and unique design, the Old Effingham County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This happened on September 18, 1980. Being on this list means the building is recognized as a significant part of American history. It is protected so future generations can enjoy it.
From Old to New: A Courthouse's Journey
For many years, the Old Effingham County Courthouse served its purpose well. However, as the county grew, a larger building was needed. Construction began on a new courthouse in 2004. This new building is officially called the Effingham County Judicial Complex.
The new complex was finished by late 2006. It opened its doors in January 2007. A special ceremony to celebrate the new building took place in March 2007.
Today, the old courthouse is still used for important county work. It now houses the Effingham County district attorney's office. The district attorney is a lawyer who represents the government in court cases. The offices of the county tax commissioner are also located in the old courthouse. The tax commissioner helps manage taxes for the county. Other county offices are in different buildings nearby.
