Gwinnett Historic Courthouse offers glimpse of county’s past

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, includ- ing two large magnolias, provide a shaded canopy to relax. On the other side is a gazebo with seven pic- nic 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 hon- windows and faux fireplaces, oring Lawrenceville boxer according to the county. Ezzard Charles, who won On the first floor is the the world heavyweight title Gwinnett Veterans Council in 1950 when he outpointed War Memorial Museum. It Joe Louis in 15 rounds. covers wars from the 19th

Around the corner next century to the present. The to the Gwinnett Citizen is a Gwinnett Historical Society marker referencing a well is also housed inside. and indicating where a A glimpse of years past wooden water trough once is relayed between the was. After the courthouse numerous historic markburned in 1871, the marker ers, the museum and the states that the courthouse attention to details in the was rebuilt and finished in reconstruction of the court1873. A bed of colorful flow- house. Shops and restauers surrounds the rail for rants surround the courtsecuring the horses and now house on the square. a concrete trough. When the courthouse

The architectural features reopens, its operating hours of the historical courthouse are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 include the original turret p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (balcony) and clock tower, chandelier lighting, 24-foot ceilings, wood-carved moldings, wainscoting, Palladian

AJC PHOTO The Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville was built in 1885, replacing an earlier courthouse built in 1872. Architectural features include the original turret (balcony) and clock tower.