It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, as a possible work of Robert Mills, an important American architect of the first half of the 19th century.

[4] The Lancaster County Courthouse is located in the heart of downtown Lancaster, at the southwest corner of Meeting Street (South Carolina Highway 9) and Main Street (U.S. Route 521).

The judge's bench in the main courtroom is a particularly fine example of Federal period wood carving.

[3][5] In 2008, the courthouse was heavily damaged, but not destroyed, by fire caused by arson.

[5] In April 2010, a local 18-year-old, Martavious Carter, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the arson of the courthouse and other crimes.