The old courthouse on Main Street served the area until 1908
when the courthouse where the cache is located was finished.
In 1906 the county bought an entire city block from W. R. “Bill”
Lewis. There was some talk that puting the courthouse way out in
the “suburbs” could adversely affect the businesses downtown. It’s
funny to think that back in 1906 moving the courthouse two blocks
farther away from Main Street was considered to be an iffy
proposition.
A total of $40,706.60 was raised for the construction of the
courthouse and a jail, which sat just behind the courthouse. The
contract for the courthouse construction was won by H. P. Little of
Conway for $24,950.40. The contract for the Jail was won by the
Pauley Jail Company of Washington, D.C. for $9,400. Some additions
to both buildings cost $356 and, after all was said and done, the
county had $5,000 left for bridges.
When completed, the courthouse measured 81 feet by 70 feet.
The courthouse was renovated in 1927, in 1964, in 1983, and in
2003. Extensions were added on each end of the building during the
second renovation. The renovation in 2003 included upgrades of
HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevator, security, roofing, flooring,
painting, ceilings and space reconfigurations. The budget for that
upgrade was $4 million.
Just inside the front entrance hangs a portrait of Brig. Gen.
Peter Horry, pronounced O’Ree, for whom the county is named. A
historic marker, located by the sidewalk, on the Third Av. side
commemorates Horry and the founding of the county. Also, at each
corner of the Third Av. side you'll find a monument to members of
our armed services. One monument is dedicated to the Vietnam War
Veterans and the other monument is dedicated to all veterans of any
service.
The county has outgrown this courthouse as well and now there is
a fourth courthouse which has been built directly behind this one.
The new Judicial Center (courthouse) contains 11 courtrooms and
yes, some days we fill them all up. I wonder when and where the
fifth one will be built?
Congratulations to The Green Family on their FTF!