Laurens County Historic Courthouse Ribbon Cutting Set for May 15
April 29, 2026
After nearly six years of meticulous restoration work, the Historic Laurens County Courthouse will officially reopen to the public with a grand ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, May 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 200 W. Public Square in Laurens.
About the Event
The event, hosted by Laurens County, invites community members, local officials, and friends to mark a meaningful milestone in the county’s history. The program will feature keynote remarks from distinguished speakers highlighting the significance of the courthouse and the collaborative efforts that made its restoration possible. Following the ceremony, guided tours will be available, offering attendees an inside look at the craftsmanship, history, and revitalization of this iconic landmark.
Guests are encouraged to extend the celebration by joining Main Street Laurens for a special “Finally Friday” event following the ribbon cutting — an opportunity to explore downtown, support local restaurants and merchants, and take in the vibrant spirit of the community.
A Building With Deep Roots
Originally built between 1837 and 1838, the two-story Greek Revival courthouse has stood at the center of Laurens County civic life for nearly two centuries. Over the years, the structure grew with the community — wings were added in the mid-1800s, and a significant expansion in 1911 brought the building’s signature low elliptical dome, Palladian stairways, and remodeled windows that defined its appearance for generations to come. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and remains the anchor of the Laurens Historic District.
The courthouse stands on ground with remarkable historical significance. In the 1820s, a young Andrew Johnson worked as a tailor in Laurens before going on to become the 17th President of the United States. Two South Carolina governors — William D. Simpson and Robert A. Cooper — also called Laurens home.
Restoring a Landmark
The ribbon cutting marks the completion of a multi-phase, $5.1 million restoration project designed to return the landmark to an appearance consistent with its 1911 form. The project was guided by Laurens County Public Works Director Billy Wilson in collaboration with historical architects and engineers, including Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture of Greenville.
The restoration unfolded in three phases. The first, completed in 2019, focused on the building’s deteriorating copper dome and drainage systems. The second phase tackled the exterior, replacing windows and doors with historically accurate reproductions, removing additions that had been made in 1972, restoring the stucco facade and ornate pediments, and rebuilding the monumental front stairs. The third and final phase addressed the interior, where new sheetrock walls and period-correct wood trim now complement the restored exterior. The finished space will serve as a flexible venue for County Council meetings, community gatherings, educational programming, and private events, as well as a small visitor center showcasing the building’s structural history.
“This is a proud moment for Laurens County,” said County Council Chairman Jeff Carroll. “We are thrilled to open the doors of this beautifully restored courthouse and share it with the community that has supported and championed this project every step of the way.”
Join the Celebration
The May 15 celebration is free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to attend and take part in what promises to be a landmark day for Laurens County — a celebration of the past, the present, and the future.
Photo Credit – Arial photos: Laurens County Development Corporation and others: Susan Tallman
