Beaufort Historic Site – Carteret County Courthouse of 1796

The Carteret County Courthouse, located at the Beaufort Historic Site in Beaufort, North Carolina, is a significant historical landmark that dates back to 1796, making it the oldest surviving wood-framed courthouse in the state. Originally built at the intersection of Ann and Turner Streets, this brick-red building served as the county’s third courthouse until 1834. After that, it was repurposed as a private residence and later as a school and library.

In 1976, the courthouse was acquired and relocated to the Beaufort Historic Site, where it underwent an award-winning restoration from 1997 to 2001, returning it to its original one-room courthouse design. Today, it operates as a museum, proudly displaying a 13-star American flag and hosting interactive programs, such as mock trials for schoolchildren. This offers visitors a glimpse into the judicial life of 18th-century coastal Carolina.

Resources

Beaufort Historic Site Website

Beaufort Historic Site Facebook

Location

Social Media

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@thesociableadventurer The Carteret County Courthouse 🏛️, located at the Beaufort Historic Site in Beaufort, North Carolina, is a significant historical landmark that dates back to 1796, making it the oldest surviving wood-framed courthouse in the state. Originally built at the intersection of Ann and Turner Streets, this brick-red building served as the county's third courthouse until 1834 🏛️➡️🏠. After that, it was repurposed as a private residence and later as a school 📚 and library 📖. In 1976, the courthouse was acquired and relocated to the Beaufort Historic Site 🌳, where it underwent an award-winning restoration from 1997 to 2001, returning it to its original one-room courthouse design. Today, it operates as a museum 🖼️, proudly displaying a 13-star American flag 🇺🇸 and hosting interactive programs, such as mock trials for schoolchildren 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️. This offers visitors a glimpse into the judicial life of 18th-century coastal Carolina ⏳🌊. https://thesociableadventurer.com/beaufort-historic-site-carteret-county-courthouse-of-1796/ #BeaufortNC #Beaufort #CarteretCounty #CarteretCountyNC #VisitNC #CelebratingNC #discover_carolinas #discoverNC #bestofthetarheelstate #NC #NorthCarolina #Adventure #Discover #Explore #TheSociableAdventurer #Photography #NCHistory #1800s #1900s #EasternNC #ENC #CrystalCoast #Beach #USHistory #History #CourtHouse #JudicialHistory ♬ Olivia – Rayland Baxter

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The Carteret County Courthouse 🏛️ in Beaufort, NC, is the oldest wood-framed courthouse in the state, dating back to 1796. After a restoration, it serves as a museum with interactive programs like mock trials for kids. Learn more: thesociableadventurer.com/beaufort-his… #BeaufortNC #VisitNC #NC

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— thesociableadvtr.bsky.social (@thesociableadvtr.bsky.social) May 21, 2025 at 7:01 AM

The Carteret County Courthouse 🏛️ in Beaufort, NC, is the oldest wood-framed courthouse in the state, dating back to 1796. After a restoration, it serves as a museum with interactive programs like mock trials for kids. Learn more: https://t.co/z5V9TRAbuC #BeaufortNC #VisitNC #NC pic.twitter.com/d9fb07EgpY
— The Sociable Adventurer (@TheSociableAdv) May 21, 2025