Hanover County Courthouse

Hanover County Courthouse
Historic Hanover County Courthouse and Hanover Civil War Memorial
Location Hanover Court House, Virginia
Coordinates 37°45′47″N 77°22′3″W / 37.76306°N 77.36750°WCoordinates: 37°45′47″N 77°22′3″W / 37.76306°N 77.36750°W
Built 1735
Architect Unknown
Architectural style Georgian
Governing body Local
NRHP Reference # 69000247
VLR # 042-0016
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 1, 1969[1]
Designated NHL November 7, 1973[2]
Designated VLR November 5, 1968[3]
George Cooke's 1834 depiction of Patrick Henry arguing the Parson's Cause case at the Hanover County Courthouse

Hanover County Courthouse, built in 1735, is an historic courthouse located in Hanover Courthouse, Virginia. In 1763, Patrick Henry, who lived and practiced law in Hanover County, argued the case of the Parson's Cause, a case involving King George III's requirement that Virginians pay taxes to support the local Anglican ministry despite their objections and those of the House of Burgesses. Henry, representing the County, accused the King of tyranny in overturning colonial law without regard to the wishes of his subjects.[4][5]

A new modern government complex with two court buildings was built and opened in 1979 adjacent to the 1735 courthouse, which is still actively used for periodic judicial proceedings to alleviate crowded court dockets and also for handling ceremonial events.[6]

On December 30, 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and on November 7, 1973 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is the focal point of the Hanover County Courthouse Historic District.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23.
  2. ↑ "Hanover County Courthouse". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-04-12.
  3. ↑ "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  4. ↑ Patrick Henry biography
  5. ↑ Patrick Henry
  6. ↑ Hanover Courthouse has an illustrious history By Larry Hall, Times-Dispatch Librarian/Researcher

External links