 |
This three-and-one-half story imposing masonry
building is the third county courthouse that was built on Court
Square in Parkersburg. Constructed in 1899 during the days of the
region’s oil and gas boom, the Richardsonian Romanesque style
of the Wood County Courthouse reflects the area’s wealth at
the end of the 19th century. Typical of this style of architecture,
the building combines massive elements, such as the heavy and
durable rock-faced walls, with the subdued yet intricate details
found in many of the building’s carved-stone figures. The
bust of a woman with upraised arms supporting a basket or crown
located above the building’s southwest entrance is an
especially nice example. The size and scale of the arched window
and door openings, and the impressive tower are also typical of
this style. The interior of the Wood County Courthouse was also
carefully planned and laid out, although much of the original
symmetry has been lost through the years. An excellent local
example of an architectural style that was created and popularized
by Henry H. Richardson, the courthouse has become a cherished
landmark in Wood County. – LAL |
 |
|
|
Boone County Courthouse Braxton County Courthouse Brooke County Courthouse Clay County Courthouse Harrison County Courthouse Jefferson County Courthouse |
McDowell County Courthouse Marion County Courthouse Mercer County Courthouse Pocahontas County Courthouse Randolph County Courthouse Tyler County Courthouse Wood County Courthouse |
|
A History of West Virginia Courthouses Architectural Styles |
|