Q: I saw something online about a guided driving tour of Lawrenceville. One of the sites on the tour was the courthouse. Can you tell me about it?
A: The tour you're talking about is called The Plantation Houses of Gwinnett which is a self-guided tour of historic locations around the county.
Many of the homes are privately owned and not open to the public. The tour also features the courthouse which is the centerpiece on the square in historic downtown Lawrenceville. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse was built in 1885, replacing an earlier courthouse built in 1872, according to the county. The original construction was built in 1824.
The facility is currently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several large trees, including two large magnolias, provide a shaded canopy to relax. On the other side is a gazebo with seven picnic tables.
A white picket fence is in front of the building.
Several historic markers surround the courthouse. There’s a tribute to the armed forces that have defended the country. There’s a marker honoring Lawrenceville boxer Ezzard Charles, who won the American world heavyweight title in 1950 when he outpointed Joe Louis in 15 rounds.
Around the corner next to the Gwinnett Citizen is a marker referencing a well and indicating where a wooden water trough once was. After the courthouse burned in 1871, the marker states that the courthouse was rebuilt and finished in 1873. A bed of colorful flowers surrounds the rail for securing the horses and now a concrete trough.
The architectural features of the historical courthouse include the original turret (balcony) and clock tower, chandelier lighting, 24-foot ceilings, wood-carved moldings, wainscoting, Palladian windows and faux fireplaces, according to the county.
On the first floor is the Gwinnett Veterans Council War Memorial Museum. It covers wars from the 19th century to the present. The Gwinnett Historical Society is also housed inside.
A glimpse of years past is relayed between the numerous historic markers, the museum and the attention to details in the reconstruction of the courthouse. Shops and restaurants surround the courthouse on the square.
When the courthouse reopens, its operating hours are: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Address: 185 Crogan Street in Lawrenceville, 30046 (phone: 770-822-5450).
New to town or simply have a question about this place we call home? Email your requests to atlactualfact@gmail.com.
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