Gov. Manchin tours new Morgan County Courthouse

Outside the courtroom, the Manchins were impressed by the oak table containing a glass-enclosed display of copies of the original U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. The table was crafted by a local artist.

An early-morning fire in August 2006 destroyed the old two-story courthouse on Washington Street and the annex buildings on Fairfax Street.

"I remember the horrible fire and came right away," Manchin said.

He said the insurance on the old building was not enough to rebuild a new one, but the state provided the county with a low-interest loan to help pay the more than $9 million construction cost for the new structure.

Manchin said he knew people were mad at him because the state did not pay for the courthouse construction.

"This is not a state courthouse; it's a county courthouse," Manchin said.

The new three-story, 45,000-square-foot building houses three courtrooms and provides room for growth, which was mandated by the West Virginia Supreme Court.

Manchin said he liked the building's design and use of space.

The new courthouse will provide for "today's needs and for growth here," he said. "There will be growth."