Hanover Courthouse

DiscoverRichmond.com
Published: July 22, 2008

Check our photos of the Hanover Courthouse complex. [2007]

Hanover Courthouse: U.S. 301, 15 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County. The village of Hanover Courthouse was formed around the original courthouse, which was built around 1735. Hanover native and lawyer Patrick Henry tried his first case here in 1763. He argued in favor of self-government in the "Parson's Cause" case. A circa-1835 stone jail is museum for the Hanover Historical Society. The library was built in 1942 and the General District courthouse was built in the mid-1970s. Tours are available by appointment. Call: 537-5815.  Historic Hanover Tavern is located across U.S. 301.

Hanover Courthouse has an illustrious history
By Larry Hall, Times-Dispatch Librarian/Researcher

If buildings could talk, the old Hanover County Courthouse would have much to say. In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the courthouse was among the first 56 sites listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register. The Jan. 30, 1969, Times-Dispatch included a report on the first state register and identified the landmarks selected for inclusion. The Hanover courthouse was one of only 14 public buildings in the state chosen for the distinction. At the time, the structure had been in continuous use as a courts facility for about 230 years.

Hanover County was formed in late 1720 from a region of New Kent County known as St. Paul's Parish. Exactly where court was held in the county prior to the building of the courthouse is not known. The county's early court records were stored in the General Court Building in Richmond and were burned during the city's evacuation in 1865. Trials in Hanover were probably held for the first two years in the homes of justices. When Hanover Tavern was built in 1723, court proceedings most likely were held there until the courthouse was erected.

Generally said to have been built in 1735, although dated by the state register at 1737 to 1742, the courthouse is reputedly the second-oldest court building in the state. It may have been based on one of strikingly similar design in neighboring King William County. The Hanover courthouse sits off U.S. 301, once the main stagecoach route linking Richmond and Fredericksburg.

The courthouse's most prominent feature is a seven-bay porch of arcades, set within the roof line and stretching the length of the building's front. The loggia, as the porch is called, is typical of courthouses of the period. Six arcaded courthouses still stand in the state. The building's brick exterior is laid in the Flemish bond pattern popular at the time. Blue-glazed headers are interspersed among unglazed, red-brick spreaders.

While the courthouse's exterior today remains essentially as it was when built, the building's interior has undergone several renovations, leaving little from the 18th century.

The old courthouse walls almost reverberate with the sounds of history. It was here that Patrick Henry launched his reputation as an adept lawyer possessing great oratorical skills. The case he argued so eloquently is known as the "Parson's Cause." Henry delivered his powerful and persuasive closing statements Dec. 1, 1763, and the occasion is now regarded by many historians as the prelude to the American Revolution.

The seeds for the legal conflict were planted when the Virginia legislature passed a law establishing a two-pence-per-pound rate on tobacco payments made to clergymen of the Anglican Church in the colony. The act had the effect of capping ecclesiastical salaries. When the clergy appealed to George III, the king vetoed the law. The king's action angered the colonists, many of whom worshipped outside the established church but still paid the Anglican clergy's salaries.

An Anglican parson of the Fredericksville Parish subsequently filed suit in Hanover court against the collector of church levies in Louisa County. The parson sued for the back wages due him at current high tobacco prices and won. Before damages were awarded, the tax collector's attorney abruptly retired. Henry was hired to replace him. In closing statements, Henry accused the king of tyranny in overturning colonial law without regard to the wishes of his subjects.

Henry's arguments were delivered so convincingly the jury presented the parson only a 1-pence award. The future statesman's fame as a first-class orator was cemented with the judgment.

In 1774, the courthouse was a mute witness to more history. Hanover County residents gathered there in preparation for the first assembly of the Virginia Convention and considered grievances against British rule. The " Hanover Resolves" adopted at the meeting also supported the Boston Tea Party.

Toward the end of the Revolutionary War, Lord Cornwallis made his headquarters across the road from the courthouse at Hanover Tavern in June 1781. During the Civil War, fierce fighting took place near the courthouse. In June 1862, Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry passed nearby on its ride around Union troops. Through all the fighting, the courthouse stood unscathed.

A new government complex with court facilities was constructed adjacent to the old courthouse in the late 1970s, and the dedication of the new courthouse took place in February 1979. The old courthouse has since seen only occasional use when courtroom space is at a premium, for ceremonial events or for specially scheduled tours.
[Credit: Times-Dispatch archives, Jan. 2004]