A Nineteenth Century Law Library: Founded as a trading post in
the days of the Proprietors, Coosawhatchie thrived as a center
of commerce under the Royal governors. It was a crucial location
in the defense of Charleston during the Revolutionary War. After
independence, it continued to grow, becoming the seat of
government for Beaufort District in 1788. The principal local
court was the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions,
established by the Act of 1796. By 1810, the local court of
equity had also moved to Coosawhatchie.(1) In 1817, the South
Carolina state Senate set aside twelve thousand dollars to build
a new courthouse. Probably designed by noted English architect
William Jay, who was practicing in Savannah and Charleston at
the time, the new structure was erected in 1819. “The
Coosawhatchie Court was two stories high, forty feet in width,
and fifty feet in length with a glazed pan-tile roof. The stairs
were located inside the front portico and the second floor
courtroom could be shut off when not i