Progressive Era Courthouse Trivia, II

At least part of this courthouse was built around the time of the Progressive era.  Though it looked a lot different back then -- the two wings (which in my mind really detract from the building's beauty) were built during the Great Depression, I think.  Not nearly as nice as the Wilcox County Courthouse, IMHO.  Or even the Duplin County Courthouse.  I guess that may say something about the relative wealth of this county and Duplin.  There is, however, a Confederate statute out front.  Where is this courthouse?  When we get this out, I want to talk about the most extraordinary visit I had to this county recently.  It was terrific -- and not just because it generated a bunch of photographs.  This place is *really* worth a trip, especially for people interested in African American history.

Comments

[Brian Clarke]

That is the Sampson County (NC) Courthouse in Clinton.

[Alfred L. Brophy]

Brian--you got that very quickly. Now a little bit about my visit to Clinton (and also to Kenansville in Duplin County). I visited the Sampson County Historical Museum; it was terrific -- they have several 19th century buildings, including one house that was built as slave quarters shortly before the Civil War. And -- most exciting for me -- a jail on wheels that was built to house convict laborers when they were out on the road. I'd never seen anything like it before. Alas, I don't have a picture of it, but, believe me, it is *well* worth the trip.