The contractor was Charles Beck who worked with the famous Robert Mills on many of his designs around South Carolina. While Mills did not design the Edgefield County Courthouse, the building’s brick structure, prominent front porch, and symmetrical exterior and interior are undeniably influenced by him.

During the 1930s the courthouse underwent an extensive restoration which modernized and enlarged many of the rooms. The building is part of the Edgefield Historic District and is listed in the National Historic Register.

SCIWAY thanks Stephen Brenton of Ladson, who took this great picture in November 2011.

Thinking about visiting Edgefield? Make sure to stop by and see Steve Ferrell at Old Edgefield Pottery to learn about his unique stoneware folk-art.

The town square is a memorial park located in front of the county courthouse. Among the monuments found there are a memorial honoring soldiers who died in WWI; a separate monument for all veterans of WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and a monument honoring Edgefield’s most famous son, former Governor and US Senator, Strom Thurmond.

Soon after the Civil War, local members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy began to raise funds for a suitable war memorial. The project finally came to fruition with a dedication ceremony held in August, 1900. Nearly 3,000 people, including many veterans, were said to be in attendance at the unveiling.

SCIWAY thanks Larry Gleason of Aiken for submitting these beautiful shots!

An impressive display of jugs, pots, vases, and jars at the Terry Ferrell Museum in downtown Edgefield provides a small glimpse into the skill attributed to Edgefield District potters. Vessels were made in all shapes and sizes, but definite themes emerge when viewed together: earth-tones, alkaline glazes, ovoid shapes, swag and loop embellishments, and looped or lug handles.

Read about Edgefield Pottery in the October 2008 issue of SCIway News.

Edgefield is most proud of its native sons, deeming itself the Home of 10 Governors. Perhaps its most famous native was Senator Strom Thurmond who is celebrated with a life size bronze statue that faces the courthouse. The town is also home to the oldest newspaper in South Carolina, The Edgefield Advertiser.

Many areas of the town are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town square itself has been called a shrine to the agelessness of political, religious, industrial, and cultural happenings within the community.

Read about Edgefield pottery and its rich history in the origins of stoneware.