On this date: January 11, 1897. The second courthouse for Forsyth County opened on this date for business. It was designed by Frank Milburn, who also designed the train depot on Chestnut Street, First Baptist Church on Second Street, and the Wachovia Bank Building on the corner of Main and Third Streets. He also designed train depots, courthouses and other buildings in many cities.
The courthouse was located on the same site as the first Forsyth County Courthouse, which was demolished. The new courthouse was made of granite, buff brick, and brownstone, and took 10 months to construct. It had a big town look, which was quite different from its predecessor.
This courthouse was never demolished, but when it came time to add more space, another building was just constructed around the 1897 structure. For the 1926 building, the turrets and tower were removed, the entrances were changed, and 25 feet was added to the Main and Liberty Street sides. Courtrooms were built on the second floor and clock faces were added to the four sides of the new building.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
