In 1817, Walterboro became the seat of Colleton County. The design of the courthouse is attributed to the architect Robert Mills. The building was completed in 1820 by Charleston contractors, J. & B. Lucas.[3][4]
In June 1828, Robert Rhett, participating in the first meeting on nullification, which was held in the courthouse building, delivered a speech which urged John Taylor, the governor of South Carolina, to immediately convene a session of the state legislature. Another nullification meeting was held in October of the same year.[3]
The courthouse building has two storeys and is made of brick. The entrance is built as a portico with four Tuscan columns and two staircases with ironwork railings. The courtroom is located in the second floor. The basement is raised.[3]
The original building from 1820 was considerably altered in 1939, when two wings were built.[2]