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.
Progressive Era Courthouse Trivia, II
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That is the Sampson County (NC) Courthouse in Clinton.
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.