The same year, a courthouse was constructed in East Greenwich, then the largest town in the new county.

By 1799 the courthouse was too small, and the state legislature appointed a committee for the construction of a new building.

In order to keep state government local, the legislature occupied each county seat on a rotating schedule.

In 1908 the Providence architectural firm of William R. Walker & Son was hired to renovate the structure.

[2] The probate court continues to meet in the building, making it the oldest active courthouse in the state.