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Brief History: Oldest - Current Courthouses |
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of the United States |
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Thanks to Diane for sharing this data |
| Thanks: The Historic American Buildings Survey for King William Courthouse Photograph |
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Data Available:
Courthouse
State
Where built
Notes
Oldest courthouses
King William County Courthouse
Virginia - 1725
Built in 1725, this is the oldest courthouse still in continuous use in the United States. It is also the oldest public building still in use in Virginia. The courthouse is constructed of brick laid in Flemish bond. In 1840 the courthouse was enlarged and a brick wall was erected to enclose the court green and to keep livestock and poultry away from the buildings. A new and modern county courthouse was built upon the courthouse grounds in 2004; however, the 1725 courthouse remains in use for some of the county's judicial functions and proceedings.
Old Salem County Courthouse
New Jersey - 1735
Built in 1735, this building is the oldest active courthouse in New Jersey and is the second oldest courthouse still in continuous use in the United States. It was built using locally manufactured bricks and was enlarged in 1817 and 1908. It served as the courthouse for
Salem County until 1969 when a larger and more modern facility was built for the county. Today it serves as the courthouse for the Salem City Municipal Court. In 1774, the courthouse was the site of a county petition to King George III to address various colonial grievances and for authorizing county relief to the citizens of Boston to assist them from the King's sanctions from the Boston Tea Party incident. Judge William Hancock of the King's Court of Common Pleas presided at the courthouse.[6] He was later unintentionally killed by British soldiers in the American Revolution during the massacre of Hancock House (New Jersey) committed by the British against local Revolutionary militia during the Salem Raid in 1778. The
courthouse was afterwards the scene of the "treason trials" of 1778, wherein suspected Loyalists were put on trial for having allegedly aided the British during the Salem Raid.[3] Four men were convicted and sentenced to death for treason; however, they were pardoned by Governor William Livingston and exiled from New Jersey. The courthouse is also the site of the legend of Colonel Robert Gibbon Johnson proving the edibility of the tomato. Before 1820, Americans often assumed tomatoes were poisonous. In 1820, Colonel Johnson, according to legend, stood upon the courthouse steps and ate tomatoes in front of a large
amazed crowd assembled to watch him do so.
Hanover County Courthouse
Virginia - 1737
This courthouse is often cited as having been built in 1735, although it is dated by the state register as having been built between 1737 and 1742. It is the third oldest courthouse still in use in the United States.
The courthouse was the local county seat of lawyer and patriot Patrick Henry. It was in this courthouse that Patrick Henry argued the case of the Parson's Cause in 1763. A case involving King George III's requirement that Virginia residents pay taxes to support the local Anglican Church
ministry over the objection of Virginia residents and the Virginia colonial legislature, Henry accused the King of tyranny in overturning colonial law without regard to the wishes of his subjects. The case and Henry's arguments are now regarded by many historians as one of the prelude events leading to the American Revolution. In 1774, the courthouse was the site of local preparation for the first assembly of the Virginia Convention and it considered grievances against British rule and the
"Hanover Resolves" adopted at the meeting also supported the Boston Tea Party.
Charles City County Courthouse
Virginia - 1730s
This courthouse actually may be the second oldest courthouse but its actual construction date is no longer known. Some estimates believe it was built as early as 1730 or the early 1730s but others date it more towards the mid 1750s. Men like
Benjamin Harrison V, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, argued here. The courthouse
was the scene of considerable fighting during the Civil War and many of its colonial records were lost, including the date of construction.
Richmond County Courthouse
Virginia - 1748
Built in 1748, this courthouse, a fine example of early classical Palladian style architecture, remains the county courthouse to this date. Richmond County, Virginia in the Northern Neck of Virginia is not to be confused with Richmond, Virginia.
King and Queen County Courthouse
Virginia - ca. 1750
The original portion of this structure was built around 1750. It has been rebuilt and remodeled extensively due to fires, including those set by Union forces in retaliation for a murder of a Union general by local Home Guard militia during the Civil War, and
also expanded to accommodate growth in local population. A new facility was constructed in 1997 to handle the majority of the county judicial proceedings but the old courthouse remains active for handling court proceedings.
Charleston County Courthouse
South Carolina - 1753
Built in 1753, it served as the provincial capitol for the colony of South Carolina with colonial court proceedings being held on the first floor. It was gutted by fire during the Constitutional Ratification Convention of 1788, leaving only the foundation, walls and doorways. It was rebuilt within the remaining structure in 1792 and, with additions and a recent restoration towards its colonial past, has served as the county courthouse to this time. [18] Among the trials held here were those of captured soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the famed black regiment of the Union Army in the Civil War, who were tried and
acquitted of slave insurrection in November 1863 following the Union assault of Fort Wagner.
Sussex County Courthouse
New Jersey - 1765
Built in 1765, the courthouse was the site of a daring raid during the American Revolution by one of the Loyalists' best operatives, Lieutenant James Moody. In 1780, Moody led several men to free eight Loyalist prisoners held in the Sussex
County Courthouse. Moody freed the me and fled with them. Despite a pursuit lasting several days, Revolutionary forces failed to capture them. The court was gutted by fire in 1847 and rebuilt within the original walls and structure. It continues to handle judicial proceedings in conjunction with a newer facility.
North Carolina
1767
Built in 1767, it served as a local Whig center during the Revolutionary War. It is the oldest public building in North Carolina and one of the best preserved and majestic colonial courthouses of Georgian architecture in the nation. It served as a banquet hall when President James Monroe visited Edenton in 1819. Currently is serves for conducting county judicial proceedings in conjunction with a newer facility and also for handling other local government activities.
New York
Fulton County Courthouse - 1772
Built in 1772 in Johnstown, it was requested and partially funded by Sir William Johnson and the first judges presiding at the courthouse included his son Sir John Johnson and John Butler, both of whom later operated Loyalist brigades during the American Revolution such as the King's Royal Regiment of New York and Butler's Rangers. The building is the oldest courthouse in New York and it still regularly functions as the county courthouse to this day. At the time it was built, Johnstown was in Montgomery County. The courthouse name was changed when Fulton County was created in 1838.
New London County Courthouse
Connecticut - 1784
Built in 1784, it is the oldest courthouse in Connecticut. American Patriot Patrick Henry argued cases in the courthouse and other historical notables such as Daniel Webster, Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette and Horace Greeley spoke here.
Shenandoah County Courthouse
Virginia - 1795
Built in 1795, this building continues to operate as the county courthouse to this day.
Old Burlington County Courthouse
New Jersey - 1796
Built in 1796, its architect, Samuel Lewis, designed the building as a virtual identical twin of Congress Hall and Old City Hall, the buildings flanking Independence Hall in Philadelphia, of which he also built. The courthouse bell, removed and installed from an earlier courthouse, rang for independence in 1776. The courthouse continues to handle judicial proceedings.
Queen Anne's County Courthouse
Maryland - 1796
Built in 1796, it is the oldest active courthouse in Maryland. The earlier county court, built in 1708, still stands and is a museum.
Former courthouses
Courthouse
Location - Built
Notes - Former
Queen Anne County Courthouse
Maryland - 1708
Built in 1708, it is likely the oldest courthouse still standing in the United
States. Today the property is open as a museum.
Old Chester Courthouse
Pennsylvania - 1724
This is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States. It is a handsome structure and a well preserved and valuable example of a colonial
period stone courthouse. From 1724 until 1786, it served as the courthouse for Chester County, Pennsylvania and, after a county division, the courthouse for
Delaware County, Pennsylvania until the county seat was relocated in 1851. Thereafter is served as the town hall for the City of Chester, Pennsylvania until the
1960s. Today it is used for miscellaneous city, county and civic functions. Colonists assembled here for the Havana raid during the War of Jenkins' Ear. The
courthouse was a scene of the reading of the Declaration of Independence following its announcement in Philadelphia and the court's bell, which is still in its cupola, rang
to announce independence. Several prominent legal and political figures argued at the court, including Thomas McKean, signer of the American Declaration of Independence.
Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette was hosted and honored here. It was the site of the tragedy story of the trial and hanging of Elizabeth (Harriot) Wilson and the resulting
story of the Pennsylvania Hermit, William (Amos) Wilson.
Old Essex County Courthouse
Virginia - 1729
Old Northampton County Courthouse
Virginia - 1731
New Castle County Court House
Delaware - 1732
This building was built over the remains of Delaware's first courthouse
(1689) that was burnt by an arsonist and of which the foundation is still visible.
It served as the county courthouse until 1881 when the county seat was moved
to Wilmington, Delaware. The building was the center of the twelve mile circle
that forms part of the boundary between Delaware and Pennsylvania. Today it is a museum.
Cahokia Courthouse
Illinois - ca. 1740
This structure was erected as a private residence circa 1740
when the area was French territory. In 1793, the residence was purchased
by the federal government to function as the court for the United States
Northwest Territory. It also hosted territorial government activities. It is
Illinois's oldest courthouse and the only surviving territorial court. The
courthouse is architecturally significant as an example of the French
Colonial vertical log poteaux-sur-solle (“post-on-sillonstruction technique.
Old Middlesex County Courthouse
Virginia - 1745
Plymouth Courthouse
Massachusetts - 1749
Built of wood, it served as a courthouse until 1820. It also served local
municipal uses from 1749 until the 1950s. It was opened as a museum in 1970.
Old Isle of Wight County Courthouse
Virginia - 1750s
Old Lincoln County Courthouse
Maine - 1761
Judges and lawyers who served or appeared here include Robert Treat Paine, Benedict Arnold, William Cushing, and James Sullivan. Today it
is a museum.
Old Gloucester County Courthouse
Virginia - 1766
Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse
Virginia - 1771
Olde Colonial Courthouse
Massachusetts - 1772
Built of wood, court proceedings of the King's Court were interrupted in
1774 by James Otis, Samuel Adams and 1,500 other protestors opposed to
the King's Bill of Attainder that denied the right of colonists to a jury trial.
As a result, the King's judge decided to cease holding cases. It served as
a state courthouse until 1838.[36] This courthouse in now a museum and
hosts the "Tales of Cape Cod" that aids the local tourist industry.
Old Grafton County Courthouse
New Hampshire - 1774
Built in 1774, this building was the site of Daniel Webster's first
criminal case in 1805 and served as a courthouse until 1823. It thereafter served as a public library for many years and is now maintained as a museum.
New York
Bedford Courthouse
New York - 1787
Today this is open as a museum.
Hardy County Courthouse
West Virginia - 1792
Built in 1792, it served as a courthouse until 1860 and is now a luxury apartment building
Old Hunterdon County Courthouse
New Jersey - 1793
Struck by fire likely caused by arson in 1828, it was heavily rebuilt using
and incorporating the original walls. The courthouse was the scene of the trial
of Bruno Hauptmann, the man convicted in the Lindbergh kidnapping case in
what became coined as "The Crime of the Century" and "The Trial of the Century"
in popular media and folklore at the time. Today it is open for tours including
regular re-enactments of the Hauptmann trial and for ceremonial purposes.
Old Carteret County Courthouse
North Carolina - 1796
This is the oldest surviving wooden courthouse in North Carolina. Today
it serves as a museum and hosts an interactive dramatization program that allows
school children to conduct mock trials and reenactments for famous trials for
educational purposes.
Old Greene County Courthouse
Pennsylvania - 1796
This structure, now a museum, shows a good example of an early wooden log cabin courthouse
Old Fairfax County Courthouse
Virginia - 1799
Old Russell County Courthouse
Virginia - 1799
The Cabildo
Louisiana - 1799
The Cabildo in New Orleans was built between 1795-99 as the home of
the Spanish municipal government after the original Cabildo was destroyed
in the Great New Orleans Fire. The building took its name from the colonial
governing body, the "Illustrious Cabildo," or city council. The Cabildo was the
site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803, and continued
to be used by the New Orleans city council until the mid 1850s. The building's
main hall, the Sala Capitular ("Capitol Room"), was originally utilized as a
courtroom. The Spanish used the courtroom from 1799-1803, and from
1803-1812, it was used by the Louisiana territorial superior court. After the
American Civil War, it was the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court from
1868-1910. The Sala Capitular was the site of several landmark court cases,
including Plessy v. Ferguson. In 1911 the Cabildo became the home of the
Louisiana State Museum
Courthouse - Built
Notes
Alabama Talladega County Courthouse - 1836
The oldest courthouse in continuous use in Alabama. Its classic architectural features afford an interesting study
Alaska Homer Courthouse
A new facility is being planned for 2009
Arizona Pinal County Courthouse - 1891
Arkansas White County Courthouse - 1871
Built in 1871 and remodeled in 1912, it is the oldest courthouse in Arkansas still being used for the original purpose. The first story is constructed of cut stone, while brick is used on the second story.
California Mariposa County Courthouse - 1854
Built in 1854, this fine early Greek Revival building is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies
Colorado Hinsdale County Courthouse - 1877
Connecticut
New London County Courthouse - 1784
Delaware
Sussex County Courthouse - 1839
Florida
Osceola County Courthouse - 1890
Georgia
Columbia County Courthouse - 1825
Built in 1824-25, it was declared the state's oldest and still active courthouse after
a county rivalry with Fayette County for the distinctions.
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Putnam County Courthouse - 1839
Indiana
Ohio County Courthouse - 1844
Iowa
Van Buren County Courthouse - 1843
It was built in 1843 and is Iowa's oldest courthouse in continuous operation
and the oldest in continuous use west of the Mississippi.
Kansas
Chase County Courthouse - 1873
It was built in 1873 with native state limestone and is the oldest operating
courthouse in Kansas.
Kentucky
Washington County Courthouse - 1816
Louisiana
East Feliciana Parish Courthouse- 1840
Maine
Lincoln County Courthouse - 1824
Built in 1824 to replace the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, it is the oldest
courthouse still in use in the state.
Maryland
Queen Anne's County Courthouse - 1796
Massachusetts
Newburyport Superior Courthouse - 1805
Michigan
Lapeer County Courthouse - 1846
Minnesota
Dodge County Courthouse - 1871
Mississippi
Amite County Courthouse - 1840
Missouri
Lafayette County Courthouse - 1847
Montana
Madison County Courthouse - 1876
Nebraska
Otoe County Courthouse - 1865
The brick Italianate courthouse, the oldest public building in the state, was
completed in 1865, two years before Nebraska became a state.
New
Hampshire
Storey County Courthouse - 1877
New Jersey
Old Salem County Courthouse - 1735
Built in 1735, this building is the oldest active courthouse in New Jersey and is
the second oldest courthouse still in continuous use in the United States.
New Mexico
Union County Courthouse - 1909
New York
Fulton County Courthouse - 1772
North Carolina
Chowan County Courthouse - 1767
Built in 1767, it is the oldest public building in North Carolina and one of the best
preserved and majestic colonial courthouses of Georgian architecture in the nation.
North Dakota
Ohio
Somerset County Courthouse - 1829
Built in 1829, this is a former county courthouse that is still in used today as a
town court
Oklahoma
Kiowa County Courthouse - 1902
Oregon
Benton County Courthouse - 1889
Pennsylvania
Lehigh County Courthouse - 1817
Built in 1817, this courthouse is the oldest active courthouse but it was altered in 1841 to show a new style
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Charleston County Courthouse - 1753
South Dakota
Huchinson County Courthouse - 1881
Tennessee
Hawkins County Courthouse
Built in 1836, it is one of six antebellum courthouses still in use in Tennessee.
Texas
Cass County Courthouse - 1861
Utah
Brigham City Courthouse - 1857
The original adobe structure, built in 1857, still forms the core of the present
courthouse, making it the oldest extant and active courthouse in Utah.
Vermont
Windham County Courthouse - 1825
Virginia
King William County Courthouse - 1725
Built in 1725, this is the oldest courthouse still in continuous use in
the United States. It is also the oldest public building still in use in Virginia.
Washington
Columbia County Courthouse - 1887
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Iowa
Iowa County Courthouse - 1859
Wyoming
Uinta County Courthouse - 1873
Built in 1873, it was drastically modified in 1904 but is nevertheless
the state's oldest courthouse.
State
Courthouse - Built
Notes
Delaware
New Castle County Courthouse - 1731
See previous section above for more details.
Florida
Old Manatee County Courthouse - 1860
Built in 1859-1860, it is the oldest surviving courthouse and is now part
of the Manatee Village Historical Park.
Old Lahaina Courthouse - 1859
A bad storm in 1858 destroyed more than 20 houses in Lahaina, including Hale Piula (the courthouse) that was built in the 1830s as a palace for King
Kamehameha III but was never completed. A year later a new courthouse was built using stones from the old one and for a year it served as the center of justice
for Maui County.
Idaho
Pierce Courthouse - 1862
Built in 1862, the structure was used until 1884. It was later sold for a mere $50
Illinois
Cahokia Courthouse -
1740s
Kentucky
Old Green County Courthouse - 1803
Built of stone in 1803, it is the oldest stone courthouse west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Louisiana
The Cabildo - 1799
The Cabildo in New Orleans was built between 1795-99 as the home of the Spanish municipal government after the original Cabildo was destroyed in
the Great New Orleans Fire. The building took its name from the colonial governing body, the "Illustrious Cabildo," or city council. The Cabildo was the
site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803, and continued to be used by the New Orleans city council until the mid 1850s. The building's
main hall, the Sala Capitular ("Capitol Room"), was originally utilized as a courtroom. The Spanish used the courtroom from 1799-1803, and from
1803-1812, it was used by the Louisiana territorial superior court. After the American Civil War, it was the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court from
1868-1910. The Sala Capitular was the site of several landmark court cases, including Plessy v. Ferguson. In 1911 the Cabildo became the home of the
Louisiana State Museum.
Maine
Old Lincoln County Courthouse - 1761
Built in 1761, judges and lawyers who served or appeared here include Robert Treat Paine, Benedict Arnold, William Cushing, and James Sullivan. Today
it is a museum.
Maryland
Former Queen Anne County Courthouse - 1708
Built in 1708, it is likely the oldest courthouse still standing in the United
States. Today the property is open as a museum.
Massachusetts
Plymouth Courthouse - 1749
Built in 1749 of wood, it served as a courthouse until 1820. It also served local municipal uses from 1749 until the 1950s. It was opened as a
Michigan
1839
Courthouse Museum
Minnesota
Washington County Courthouse - 1870
Built in 1870, it is still used today for other civil functions.
Nevada
Genoa Courthouse - 1865
This 1865 building was first the government seat, then a school, and now a museum.
New Hampshire
Old Grafton County Courthouse - 1774
Built in 1774, this building was the site of Daniel Webster's first criminal
case in 1805 and served as a courthouse until 1823. It thereafter served as
a public library for many years and is now maintained as a museum.
North Dakota
Stutsman County Courthouse - 1883
The structure, built in 1883, is the oldest remaining courthouse in the state.
Ohio
Chester Courthouse - 1823
Built in 1823, this building is Ohio's oldest standing Courthouse and is today a museum.
Oregon
Pioneer Courthouse - 1875
Built in 1875, this is the oldest extant federal building in the Pacific Northwest.
Pennsylvania
Old Chester Courthouse - 1724
Built in 1724, this is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United
States; it still serves other public functions to this day. See earlier sections for
greater detail on this building.
Rhode Island
White Horse Tavern - 1673
Constructed before 1673 in Newport, it is one of the oldest active tavern buildings in the United States and once served for large meetings including use as a
Rhode Island General Assembly meeting place, a court house, and a city hall. As of 2008, it still remains a popular drinking and dining location.
Texas
"Old Cora" Courthouse - 1856
The 1856 split-log, one-roomed courthouse served as a post office as well
as district court.
Washington
Territorial Courthouse - 1858
Built in 1858, it is Washington's oldest brick building. It has served many
purposes over time including as a courthouse.
West Virginia
Hardy County Courthouse - 1792
Built in 1792, it served until 1860 and is now a luxury apartment building.
17Sept2010
Brenda K. Moore
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