1100 Laurel Street or 1737 Main Street
The Yorkville Enquirer of June 8, 1871 reported – “Congress has appropriated $75,000. toward building a federal courthouse in Columbia. It will be erected on the corner of Main and Laurel Streets and will be of granite and two stories in height. The first story will contain a PO, revenue office rooms, district attorney, and commissioner’s rooms. The second floor will have the courtroom, the Marshall’s office and a clerk of court’s office. The building will be crowned with a cupola containing a clock.” Later the paper reported on Aug. 24th – “The Phoenix Newspaper reports that work will soon be started on the new Federal Courthouse in Columbia. It will be three stories and will be constructed of granite.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on Oct. 17, 1872 – “the cornerstone of the new US Courthouse and PO in Columbia was laid with ceremonies last week.”
City Directories and History: Old United States Courthouse and Post Office – The Old Court House and Post Office is one of the most impressive buildings in Columbia commanding a prominent position on upper Main Street. Designed in 1870 by Alfred B. Mullett, it is a superb example of Renaissance Revival architecture. In 1865, Mullett was appointed to the office of United States Supervising Architect where he remained for fifteen years. In this capacity he designed post office buildings for the cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and others. He also designed the United States Mint Building in San Francisco and the south wing of the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. The Columbia Post Office is well designed and executed. The smooth beige Fairfield County granite walls contrast with richly carved decorative elements to create a strong three-dimensional effect. The building has housed various functions of national or city government for nearly a hundred years. Inside its walls have operated the court system, postal business, internal revenue services, and, since 1937, the building has contained offices used by the city government. Aside from the State House, it is the oldest government building in Columbia. Listed in the National Register June 19, 1973. [Courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History]
See #73: Richland County Historic Sites and Structures Report for additional information.
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IMAGE GALLERY via photographer Bill Segars – 2009
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