A Historic Landmark: The Carteret County Courthouse

The story of Carteret County’s courthouses stretches back to the early days of the county itself. Carteret County was established in 1722, with Beaufort soon designated as the county seat. Early courthouse buildings served local government needs, though none of the very first structures survive today.

The 1796 courthouse holds a special place in North Carolina history as the oldest surviving wood‑framed courthouse in the state. Built at Ann and Turner Streets, it was the county’s third courthouse and served as the center of legal business for about forty years. After being replaced, that 1796 building went through several uses—including as a private home—before being rescued, restored, and moved to the Beaufort Historic Site in the late 20th century. Today it operates as a museum and educational space, where visitors and school groups can see reenactments and learn about early American justice.

In 1907, the current Carteret County Courthouse was constructed at 300 Courthouse Square. Designed by noted New Bern architect Herbert Woodley Simpson, this striking brick building features classical details like Corinthian porticoes and a tall cupola that remains a local landmark. It replaced smaller, earlier courthouse buildings and has continued to serve the county’s judicial needs ever since.

Today, the courthouse not only serves an active legal role but also anchors a picturesque historic downtown and public square that reflects Beaufort’s long civic heritage.