Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Courthouses in the Garden of Good and Evil

On our way back from South Carolina last week we made a stop in Savannah to take in a few of the sights of the city.

Since my oldest daughter is now a Brownie, we took a tour of the Juliette Low birthplace. She was the founder of the Girl Scouts. Ms. Low was quite the interesting character I must say. My oldest was excited. She got a pin and a patch for her uniform.

Then it was off to one of Savannah's many squares for a picnic lunch. While eating I noticed a building across the way. The sign said it was the Chatham County Courthouse. I had to investigate further. As it turned out, however, this courthouse, built in 1889, was only the administrative courthouse.


It seems the 1889 courthouse is a magnet for design students who are interested in the arch in front. The interior walls have slabs of Georgia marble on them. I would imagine the old courtroom used for commissioner's court was quite the sight back in the day.


On the other side of the square is the federal courthouse.


This is a picture taken from the back showing the clock tower.


The guard at the administrative courthouse told me that the actual courthouse was located a couple of blocks up the road - so it was time for a hike.

And, of course, in a city known for its stately architecture and love of history, this travesty is the working courthouse.

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