November 12, 2023 New Hanover County Courthouse

Around Our Town with Gene Merritt
Blog # 24
November 12, 2023

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New Hanover County Courthouse
Wilmington, NC
(Postcard from Elaine Henson)

One of my favorite iconic structures in downtown Wilmington is the New Hanover County Courthouse, located at the corner of 3rd and Princess Streets. Its actual street address is 316 Princess Street. In addition to use as a courthouse, the building is used for meetings of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners.

The courthouse is a certified historic structure, registered on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Alfred Eichberg and James P. Post. It was erected in 1892. An annex was built in 1925. An original courthouse building was located on Market Street.

Albert Eichberg designed the F. Rheinstein and Company Building at 222-226 North Front Street in Wilmington in1891-1892. In addition to the New Hanover County Courthouse, he designed the Brunswick, Georgia City Hall. James F. Post is known as the father of architecture in Wilmington. Post was the premier builder/architect in the city from the mid-to-later 19th Century, where he designed, built, and/or supervised some of the most notable buildings in the city, such as the Zebulon Latimer House.

Third Street., showing Colonial Hotel and Court House, Wilmington, NC
(Postcard from Elaine Henson)

Third Street, showing City Hall, Court House, Colonial Inn and St. James Church, Wilmington, NC
(Postcard from Elaine Henson)

The New Hanover County Courthouse is well-maintained and is very attractive on the inside. I recommend that you visit the building when you get a chance if you have never seen it.

Gene Merritt
Blob # 24
November 12, 2023