United States Post Office and Courthouse (Rock Hill, South Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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US Post Office and Courthouse
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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![]() The building in March 2012
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Location | 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill, South Carolina |
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Area | less than one acre |
Built | 1931 |
Architect | Batson-Cook Co.; Treasury Dept. |
NRHP reference No. | 87002523 |
Added to NRHP | January 21, 1988 |
The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a very old and important building. It was built in 1931 and was also known as the Caldwell Street Post Office. For many years, it helped people send mail and was a place where legal cases happened. Today, this historic building is called the Gettys Art Center. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 because of its special history. You can find it right in the middle of the Rock Hill Downtown Historic District.
Contents
What Was This Building Used For?
This building had two main jobs when it was first built. It served as both a post office and a courthouse.
A Place for Mail: The Post Office
A post office is where people go to send letters and packages. It's also where mail gets sorted and delivered to homes and businesses. This building was a busy place where people in Rock Hill could handle all their mailing needs. It helped connect people by making sure their messages and goods reached their destinations.
Where Laws Are Heard: The Courthouse
A courthouse is a building where judges and lawyers work. It's where legal cases are heard and decisions are made about laws. People go to a courthouse for many reasons, like to settle disagreements or to deal with crimes. This building served as a place for justice in Rock Hill for many years.
Why Is This Building Historic?
The U.S. Post Office and Courthouse is considered a historic building. This means it has special importance because of its age, design, or the events that happened there.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. When a building is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This helps protect the building and makes sure future generations can learn from it. This building was added to the list in 1988.
What Is It Now? The Gettys Art Center
Today, the old U.S. Post Office and Courthouse has a new and exciting purpose. It is now home to the Gettys Art Center.
A Hub for Art and Creativity
The Gettys Art Center is a place where artists can work and show their art. It often has art galleries, studios, and spaces for performances. This means a building that once handled mail and legal cases now helps bring art and culture to the community. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given new life.