Similar to the design of colonial towns, Halifax planned for a market square as an open space in its center that could be used as a town common and market. This area originally spread across King Street but the north side was eventually occupied with the c.1760 courthouse and jail. A market house was located on the corner nearest the jail. The market square was the focus of town life where a farmers market operated. The militia activity took place with a barrack located near the old market house. A power magazine, supply depot and armament factory were said to also be located nearby and during the Revolutionary War period, the market square was used for a market, militia drills, election rallies, for playing and promenading, and for grazing livestock. Annual county fairs were implemented after 1783, lasting for three days with horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, port, all kinds of provisions and produce, goods, wares and merchandise were sold and traded. Traveling entertainers also performed for fairgoers. Public drunkenness became a problem and contributed to the demise of the annual fair.

Since the town served as the political and legal center of the county, a courthouse was necessary. The only description of this building states that it was a wooden structure with wings. It was built c. 1760 and the location was documented on the c. 1769 C.J. Sauthier map. This building was used for trials, voting, and housing colonial records. It was also where the 4th Provincial congress met which unanimously passed the “Halifax Resolves.” Several archaeological digs has been done on the grounds.

Source: 1. Historic Halifax: The Courthouse | NC Archaeology , 2. Historic Halifax - Archaeology of the Colonial Courthouse 3. Sauthier Map: Sauthier Maps | NCpedia.