Your tour begins at the Court Square.
144 Courthouse Square, Yanceyville, NC
Court Square: As the first public garden of the Caswell Horticulture Club, the Yanceyville Town Square has always been their top priority. It is located in the exact center of the county (note the Geodistic Survey marker in the NE quadrant) and is a focal point of the town and Historic District. An irrigation system was installed, aged boxwoods were placed and a twice yearly planting of annuals was initiated. The CHC also decorates the Square and Courthouse every Christmas.
From the Court Square, proceed to the front of the Courthouse through the iron gates. Follow the brick sidewalk to the left down the Memorial Path.
Memorial Path: As a connection between the Memorial Garden and the front of the Courthouse, a Memorial Path was created on the east side. This brick path is dedicated as a memorial to the citizens of Caswell County. Many of the bricks are engraved with messages and the names of loved ones.
Memorial Garden: The Memorial Path leads to the Memorial Garden, which contains memorials to many citizens of Caswell County. The two dedicated benches provide a spot of respite on the Courthouse grounds. This lovely garden contains many plants familiar to historic homes in the county such as boxwoods, hollies, and crape myrtles. The centerpiece is an armillary, which was designed and donated by Swann Forge.
Follow the Memorial Path back to the front of the Courthouse, crossing over the center sidewalk to the Veterans’ Walk. The Veterans’ Walk will continue around the right side of the Courthouse to the Courtyard Garden.
Veterans’ Walk: The Veterans’ Walk, connecting the Courthouse to the Agriculture Building, consists of a walkway made up of bricks which are dedicated to past and present war heroes. These veterans, whose names are engraved on the bricks, have served in wars ranging from the 18th century to present day battles.
Courtyard Garden: This garden, located on the west side of the Courthouse, was designed to provide a shady seating area between the two government buildings. In the center of the circular patio of the engraved bricks is a historic millstone donated by Honorable and Mrs. James Long. This millstone came from Long’s Mill. The garden is landscaped with evergreens, knockout roses, lavender, and other perennial plants. The garden is designed to be low maintenance with four season benefits.
Continue your tour down the staircase at the Agriculture Building to the Old Jail, Poteat Schoolhouse, and Arboretum. Cross the parking lot and follow the sidewalk in front of the Old Jail. For handicapped access, go to the front gate of the Courthouse and follow W. Main Street to Fire Dept. Drive which will continue to the back parking lot of the Courthouse.
Old Jail: When you follow the directional sign down the Agriculture Building stairs and cross the parking lot, you will see the Old Jail: a late 19th century, two-story brick building of Romanesque Revival design which served as the county jail until 1973. Note the rich brick corbel cornice treatment at the eaves and original cell block made by “Stewart Jail Works Company, Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Poteat Schoolhouse: The Poteat Schoolhouse is a one-room school that was moved from its previous location on County Home Road to its current location in 1987. The work was done by Bartlett Yancey High School students under the direction of Cy Vernon. The building is currently maintained by the Yanceyville Rotary Club with Wally Ewalt as Project Manager.
Arboretum: The Caswell Community Arboretum was begun in 2004. Previously it was abandoned county property that was used as a dumping place and was completely overgrown with non-native invasive species, primarily Golden Bamboo and Chinese Privet and continues to be an on-going work in progress. Open 365 days a year, it is located on approximately two acres of Caswell County property in the Historic District with features that provide diversity. An all native arboretum, it focues on provideing for wildlife with seed and berry producing trees, native grasses, a butterfly garden and a host of trees for butterflies. Among its frequent visitors, in addition to butterflies, are song birds, turkeys, deer and insects. The walking trail is a hard surface, has two entrances, is approximately 1/2 mile in length and meanders downhill, providing a moderate workout. Parking is available behind the Historic Courthouse.