National Register of Historic Places

Old Richmond County Courthouse

Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia
Listed
December 22, 1978
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
78001004

About this property

The Old Government House, also known as the Old Richmond County Courthouse, is a historic courthouse located in downtown Augusta, Georgia. It housed the seat of the local government from 1801 to 1821. It is one of the oldest remaining public buildings in the city. It was built as a courthouse in 1801 and was expanded later when it served as a private residence. The Old Government House was built in 1801 and housed the seat of the local government. In 1821, the government sold the building to former Mayor Samuel Hale. He converted the Old Government House into an elegant residence. Many other prominent families lived in the building including those of Colonel Paul Fitzsimmons, a Charleston ship magnate, Colonel James Gardner, and James Gregg, son of the founder of Graniteville Mills. In 1877, Dr. Eugene Murphey purchased the property. His family lived in the building for 75 years. Dr. Murphey sold the estate to the Augusta Junior League in 1952. The organization used it as a reception facility until the 1970s, when they gave it to Historic Augusta. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The City of Augusta purchased the property in 1987. City officials hired VGR Architect, to revitalize the Old Government House into a reception hall to retain its historic significance. The architecture of the Old Government House has a historic impact on Augusta. It was built in a Federal style brick with parapet end chimneys. When the building became a residence, the owner stuccoed the walls adding the elaborate recessed wings, iron portico, balcony, and trimmed windows. These changes were made in 1821 and 1839. Today, the Old Government House is a historic reception hall that accommodates various parties and receptions. It can also be seen on the city seal and flag.

Location

432 Telfair St.
Augusta, Richmond County, Georgia
33.46931, -81.95935

Categories

POLITICS/GOVERNMENTARCHITECTURESOCIAL HISTORY
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Brahe House
Industrial
0 mi
Gertrude Herbert Art Institute
Industrial
0.1 mi
Engine Company Number One
Industrial
0.2 mi
Academy of Richmond County
Industrial
0.2 mi
Old Medical College Building
Industrial
0.2 mi

Nearby Battles

Second Battle of Augusta (Fort Cornwallis)
1781Revolutionary War
0.9 mi
Second Siege of Augusta (Fort Cornwallis 1781)
1781Revolutionary War
0.9 mi

Questions about this property

When was Old Richmond County Courthouse listed on the National Register?

Old Richmond County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 22, 1978.

What type of historic resource is Old Richmond County Courthouse?

Old Richmond County Courthouse is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Old Richmond County Courthouse?

The period of significance for Old Richmond County Courthouse is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Old Richmond County Courthouse?

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