National Register Listing

Alleghany County Courthouse

Main and Whitehead Sts., Sparta, NC
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
The North Carolina State Capitol building in Raleigh was built in the Greek Revival style and completed in 1840. It is one of the oldest state capitol buildings in continuous use in the United States.
North Carolina random facts
Alleghany County, located in the northwestern part of North Carolina, has a rich and fascinating history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Catawba. European settlement began in the mid-18th century when pioneers from Virginia and Pennsylvania started to establish homesteads in the region.

In 1859, Alleghany County was officially formed from parts of Ashe County. It was named after the Allegheny Mountains, which run through the county. The area was primarily agricultural, with farming and livestock raising as the main economic activities. The introduction of the Virginia-Carolina Railroad in 1892 played a significant role in the county's development, facilitating transportation and enabling the growth of industries such as logging and textile manufacturing.

The county faced challenges during the Civil War when many of its residents were divided between Union and Confederate loyalties. Nevertheless, Alleghany County managed to preserve its autonomy and avoid significant military conflicts. However, the war and the subsequent Reconstruction period brought economic hardships and political changes to the area.

In the 20th century, Alleghany County saw the decline of its traditional industries with the rise of modernization and urbanization. The agricultural sector suffered due to depopulation and the introduction of mechanized farming methods. Today, the county continues to embrace its natural beauty, attracting tourists with offerings such as the Blue Ridge Parkway and the New River State Park. Despite the challenges faced over the years, Alleghany County remains a community that honors its historical roots while looking towards the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Alleghany County, North Carolina.

  • 1777 - Alleghany County is formed as part of Surry County
  • 1859 - Alleghany County is officially established as a separate county
  • Late 1800s - Logging becomes a major industry in Alleghany County
  • Early 1900s - Agriculture, particularly tobacco and apple farming, thrive in the county
  • 1917 - Great Trout Airplane Crash occurs in the county, resulting in multiple fatalities
  • 1930s - Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway begins, passing through Alleghany County
  • 1960s - Decline of logging and agriculture leads to economic struggles in the county
  • Late 1900s - Tourism becomes an important part of Alleghany County's economy
  • 2003 - Alleghany County celebrates its 200th anniversary