Oldest courthouses in the United States

The oldest active courthouses in the United States

(1) King William County Courthouse, Virginia. Built in 1725, this is the oldest courthouse still in continuous use in the United States. [ [http://www.kingwilliamcounty.us/ Welcome to King William County ] ] 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. [ [http://www.kingwilliamcounty.us/history_tourism.htm#KingWilliam King William County History ] ]

(2) Old Salem County Courthouse, New Jersey. 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. [http://www.salemcitynj.com/trails.html Welcome to Salem, New Jersey ] ] 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. [ [http://www.town-court.com/getTownCourt.php?courtID=1194 Salem City Municipal Court Salem NJ Salem County ] ] [ [http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/directory/munctadr.htm Municipal Court Addresses ] ]

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. [ [http://cupojersey.blogspot.com/2007/11/william-hancock-house-hancocks-bridge.html Cup O'Jersey South - South Jersey History: William Hancock House, Hancocks Bridge, New Jersey ] ] 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. 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. [ [http://www.salemcounty.com/schs/The%20Salem%20County%20Historical%20Society%20%20%20%20%20%20May%202005.htm "The Story of Robert Gibbon Johnson and the Tomato"] , "The history Highway" of the Salem County Historical Society. May 2005. Accessed August 13, 207.]

(3) Hanover County Courthouse, Virginia. 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. [http://www.discoverrichmond.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_DRMGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352452400&path=!attractions&parentid=1059599863567 Discover Richmond ] ] It is the third oldest courthouse still in use in the United States.

This courthouse was the local county seat of lawyer and patriot Patrick Henry. [ [http://www.history.org/Almanack/people/bios/biohen.cfm Patrick Henry ] ] It was in this courthouse that Patrick Henry argued the case of the Parson's Cause in 1763. [ [http://www.nndb.com/people/916/000027835/ Patrick Henry ] ] 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.

A new and modern government complex with court facilities was constructed and opened in 1979 adjacent to the old courthouse. The old courthouse, however, is still actively used for periodic judicial proceedings to alleviate crowded court dockets at the new facility and also for handling ceremonial events.

Charles City County Courthouse, Virginia. 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. [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/CharlesCity/018-0005_Charles_City_County_Courthouse_1969_Final_Nomination.pdf] [http://www.charlescity.org/1county.php]

Other active courthouses among the oldest in the United States (18th Century Period)

Richmond County Courthouse, Virginia. Built in 1748, this courthouse, a fine example of early classical Palladian style architecture, remains the county courthouse to this date. [http://books.google.com/books?id=2UDeCueUUJQC&pg=PA251&lpg=PA251&dq=richmond+courthouse+and+1748+and+virginia&source=web&ots=lzy2PANcX1&sig=c-i6qBOuzD16vfEvCVx65wrOmGI] [ [http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment_living.apx.-content-articles-RTD-virtual_tours-richmond_county.html Richmond County and Northern Neck - http-equiv=refresh content=0; URL=http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/entertainment.html - inRich.com ] ] [ [http://www.northernneck.org/history.htm History ] ] Richmond County, Virginia in the Northern Neck of Virginia is not to be confused with Richmond, Virginia.

King and Queen County Courthouse, Virginia. The original portion of this structure was built around 1750. It has been rebuilt and remodelled 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. http://books.google.com/books?id=CEpT8LO97-YC&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=virginia+and+gloucester+and+courthouse+and+1766&source=web&ots=El8vmmD4m-&sig=XeYa8fQ_dzEeeJh5qo0aZ4PkfcA#PPA19,M1] [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/KingandQueen/49-5001_KingandQueenCo_KingandQueenCourthouseGreenHD_Final.pdf]

Charleston County Courthouse, South Carolina. 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. [ [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/charleston/ccc.htm Charleston County Courthouse ] ] 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. [ [http://www.awod.com/cwchas/seedo.html Civil War Sites and Attractions, Charleston, SC ] ]

Sussex County Courthouse, New Jersey. 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. [http://www.newtonnj.net/Pages/sussexcourthse.htm Newton, NJ - The Sussex Court House ] ] In 1780, Moody led several men to free eight Loyalist prisoners held in the Sussex County Courthouse. Moody freed the men 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.

Chowan County Courthouse, North Carolina. Built in 1767, it served as a local Whig center during the Revolutionary War. [ [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMRTZ Chowan County Courthouse, Marker A-11 - North Carolina Historical Markers on Waymarking.com ] ] 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. [http://www.edenton.com/history/court.htm Edenton, North Carolina - ICW-NET NE NC Communities: Internet Coastal Waterways Network Intracoastal Waterway , aka The Ditch ] ] It served as a banquet hall when President James Monroe visited Edenton in 1819. [ [http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/nchh/eighteenth.html NC Museum of History: History Highlights - Eighteenth-Century North Carolina ] ] Currently is serves for conducting county judicial proceedings in conjunction with a newer facility and also for handling other local government activities.

Fulton County Courthouse, New York. Built in 1772, it was requested and partially funded by Sir John Johnston, 2nd Baronet and the first judges presiding at the courthouse included Johnston 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. [http://courts.state.ny.us/history/pdf/Library/Courts/Fulton_County_Court_House.pdf Fulton County Court House ] ] The building is the oldest courthouse in New York and it still regularly functions as the county courthouse to this day.

New London County Courthouse, Connecticut. 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. [ [http://www.jud.ct.gov/external/kids/history/postcards/NLJD.htm New London County Courthouse ] ]

Shenandoah County Courthouse, Virginia. Built in 1795, this building continues to operate as the county courthouse to this day. [ [http://www.simply-shenandoah.com/woodstock.htm Woodstock ] ]

Old Burlington County Courthouse, New Jersey. 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. [ [http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/info/history/township/mounthollytownship.htm Mount Holly Township Historic Information ] ]

Queen Anne's County Courthouse, Maryland. Built in 1796, it is the oldest active courthouse in Maryland. [ [http://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/queenannes/histcthouse.html The Queen Anne's County Court House ] ] The earlier county court, built in 1708, still stands and is a museum.

The oldest former courthouses in the United States (18th Century Period)

The following other old courthouses still standing today exist as museums, for other government functions, or are now privately owned facilities.

In Delaware:

New Castle County Courthouse. (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. [ [http://history.delaware.gov/museums/ncch/courthouse.shtml See the New Castle Court House Museum ] ]

In Illinois:

Cahokia Courthouse. [ [http://www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/cahokia_courthouse.htm Cahokia Courthouse - Welcome ] ] 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-sill”) construction technique.

In Maine:

Old Lincoln County Courthouse (1761). Judges and lawyers who served or appeared here include Robert Treat Paine, Benedict Arnold, William Cushing, and James Sullivan. [ [http://www.lincolncountyhistory.org/lchaparts/courthouse.htm The 1761 Pownalborough Courthouse ] ] Today it is a museum.

In Massachusetts:

Plymouth Courthouse (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. [ [http://www.visit-plymouth.com/courthouse.htm Plymouth, MA - 1749 Court House ] ]

Olde Colonial Courthouse (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.http://books.google.com/books?id=6OHkygtKZesC&pg=PA26&lpg=PA26&dq=olde+courthouse+and+barnstable+and+1772&source=web&ots=pM5pNgUYnJ&sig=Aa5P9jR5lqV187L8kmnhN_CztEo#PPA26,M1] As a result, the King's judge decided to cease holding cases. It served as a state courthouse until 1838. This courthouse in now a museum and hosts the "Tales of Cape Cod" that aids the local tourist industry. [ [http://www.fodors.com/world/north%20america/usa/massachusetts/cape%20cod/entity_183920.html Olde Colonial Courthouse | Cape Cod Sights ] ]

In Maryland:

Former Queen Anne County Courthouse. Built in 1708, it is likely the oldest courthouse still standing in the United States. Today the property is open as a museum. [ [http://www.historicqac.org/sites/Qcourthouse.htm Queenstown Courthouse - Queenstown (HistoricQAC.org) ] ]

In New Hampshire:

Old Grafton County Courthouse. 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. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1EE7]

In New Jersey:

Old Hunterdon County Courthouse (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. [ [http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/special/courthouse.htm County of Hunterdon, State of New Jersey - Rededication of the Hunterdon County Courthouse ] ]

In New York:

Bedford Courthouse (1787). Today this is open as a museum. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/28/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/30historicalwe.html?ref=nyregionspecial2 Historical Sites in Westchester County - New York Times ] ]

In North Carolina:

Old Carteret County Courthouse (1796). [ [http://beauforthistoricsite.org/historicbuildings/courthouse.htm Carteret County Courthouse of 1796 - Beaufort Historic Site ] ] 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.

In Pennsylvania:

Old Chester Courthouse (1724). [ [http://www.oldchesterpa.com/1724_Courthouse.htm 1724 Court House, Chester, PA ] ] 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 Greene County Courthouse (1796). This structure, now a museum, shows a good example of an early wooden log cabin courthouse. [ [http://www.co.greene.pa.us/secured/gc/depts/rec/tourinfo/lc.htm Greene County Pennsylvania ] ]

In Virginia: [ [http://www.history.org/Almanack/places/hb/hbcourt.cfm Courthouse ] ] [ [http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=14782 Old Fairfax County Courthouse: Virginia Is For Lovers ] ] [ [http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=15173 Old Russell County Courthouse: Virginia Is For Lovers ] ]

Old Essex County Courthouse (1729);Old Northampton County Courthouse (1731);Old Middlesex County Courthouse (1745);Old Isle of Wight County Courthouse (1750s);Old Gloucester County Courthouse (1766);Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse (1771);Old Russell County Courthouse (1799);Old Fairfax County Courthouse (1799).

The oldest courthouses in the 50 states

Alabama Talladega County Courthouse. Built in 1836, it is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in Alabama. Its classic architectural features afford an interesting study. [http://www.manninghousebb.com/attractions.htm]

Alaska Homer Courthouse. A new facility is being planned for 2009. [http://www.homertribune.com/article.php?aid=3046] Arizona McFarland Courthouse. Starting as a courthouse in 1878, it is the oldest courthouse in Arizona still standing. It's also the largest adobe building from Arizona's territorial time period of 1863 to 1912. It stopped being a courthouse in 1891 where it was replaced with the new Pinal County Courthouse and it became a county hospital until the late 1930s and then it became county offices until the 1960s. [http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/MCFA/index.html] Built in 1891, the Pinal County Courthouse is the oldest public building in daily use in Arizona. [http://www.planetware.com/florence/second-pinal-county-courthouse-us-az-pcc2.htm]

Arkansas White County Courthouse. 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. [http://www.whitecountyar.org/wchistory.htm]

California Mariposa County Courthouse. Built in 1854, this fine early Greek Revival building is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Rockies. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1KWT]

Colorado Hinsdale County Courthouse. Constructed in 1877, it is the state's oldest courthouse still in use for its original purpose. [http://www.hinsdalecountycolorado.us/history.html]

Connecticut New London County Courthouse. Built in 1784, it is the oldest active courthouse in the state. [http://www.jud.ct.gov/external/kids/History/Postcards/NLJD.htm] See earlier section above for more details.

Delaware New Castle County Courthouse (oldest inactive) was built in 1731. See earlier section above for more details. The oldest active is Sussex County Courthouse, built in 1839. [http://archives.delaware.gov/markers/sc/SUSSEX%20COUNTY%20COURTHOUSE%20SC%2087.shtml]

Florida Old Manatee County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1859-1860, it is the oldest surviving courthouse and is now part of the Manatee Village Historical Park. [http://www.flheritage.com/services/sites/fht/record_t.cfm?ID=470&type=t&index=17] Osceola County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1890, it is the oldest courthouse still being used as such. [http://www.osceolaclerk.com/osceola_county_courthouse.htm]

Georgia Columbia County Courthouse. Built in 1824-1925, it was declared the state's oldest and still active courthouse after a county rivalry with Fayette County for the distinctions. [http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/010300/met_151-2344.000.shtml]

Hawaii Old Lahaina Courthouse (oldest inactive). 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. [http://www.hawaiiweb.com/maui/html/sites/old_lahaina_court_house.html]

Idaho Pierce Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1862, the structure was used until 1884. It was later sold for a mere $50. [http://www.clearwatermuseum.org/history.htm] Illinois Cahokia Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in the 1740s, an earlier section of this article discusses the background of it. Putnam County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1839, this courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Illinois that is still in use as a courthouse. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMZ1B]

Indiana Ohio County Courthouse. The courthouse, built in 1844, is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in Indiana. [http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=0738518832]

Iowa Van Buren County Courthouse. It was built in 1843 and is Iowa's oldest courthouse in continuous operation and the oldest in continuous use west of the Mississippi. [http://www.traveliowa.com/travelapp/aec/aecdisplayform.asp?strProcess=ShowDetails1&id_attraction=566&selCity=862&txtStartDate=&txtEndDate=] [http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/wfdata/frame1759-1464/pressrel88.asp]

Kansas Chase County Courthouse. It was built in 1873 with native state limestone and is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas. [http://www.chasecountyks.org/attractions/chasecountycourthouse.htm] Kentucky Old Green County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built of stone in 1803, it is the oldest stone courthouse west of the Allegheny Mountains. [http://www.greencounty.ky.gov/about/history/coformation.htm] Washington County Courthouse (oldest active). Completed in 1816, it is the oldest courthouse still in use in the state. [http://www.kyvacation.com/kyvacation4_files/belles.htm ]

Louisiana The Cabildo (oldest inactive).

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. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cabildo]

East Feliciana Parish Courthouse (oldest active). Built around 1840, it is reputed to be the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state. [http://www.wmich.edu/evalctr/rsi/e-feliciana.html]

Maine Old Lincoln County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1761, judges and lawyers who served or appeared here include Robert Treat Paine, Benedict Arnold, William Cushing, and James Sullivan. [ [http://www.lincolncountyhistory.org/lchaparts/courthouse.htm The 1761 Pownalborough Courthouse ] ] Today it is a museum. Lincoln County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1824 to replace the Old Lincoln County Courthouse, it is the oldest courthouse still in use in the state. [http://lincoln.midcoast.com/~wps/cyberfair/courthouse.html]

Maryland Former Queen Anne County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1708, it is likely the oldest courthouse still standing in the United States. Today the property is open as a museum. [ [http://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/queenannes/histcthouse.html The Queen Anne's County Court House ] ] Queen Anne's County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1796, it is the oldest active courthouse in Maryland. [ [http://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/queenannes/histcthouse.html The Queen Anne's County Court House ] ]

Massachusetts Plymouth Courthouse (oldest inactive). 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 museum in 1970. [ [http://www.visit-plymouth.com/courthouse.htm Plymouth, MA - 1749 Court House ] ] Newburyport Superior Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1805, is the oldest active court in the state. [http://www.answers.com/topic/newburyport-massachusetts]

Michigan 1839 Courthouse Museum (oldest inactive). It was built in 1839. [http://www.michigan.org/property/Detail.aspx?p=G4819] Lapeer County Courthouse (oldest active). It was built in 1846 and is the oldest continuously active courthouse in the state. [http://www.ci.lapeer.mi.us/courthouse.htm]

Minnesota Washington County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1870, it is still used today for other civil functions. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County_Courthouse_(Minnesota)] Dodge County Courthouse (oldest active). Built between 1865-1871, it is the oldest active courthouse in the state. [http://www.mncourts.gov/district/3/?page=217]

Mississippi Amite County Courthouse. Built in 1840, it is the oldest active courthouse in the state. [http://amitecounty200.com/AMITEpage5.html]

Missouri Lafayette County Courthouse. Built in 1847, it is the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the state. [http://extension.missouri.edu/xplor/uedivis/ue6053.htm] Montana Madison County Courthouse. Completed in 1876, it is the oldest courthouse in the state still used for its original purpose. [http://montanakids.com/cool_stories/ghost_towns/madison.htm]

Nebraska Otoe County Courthouse. The brick Italianate courthouse, the oldest public building in the state, was completed in 1865, two years before Nebraska became a state. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1P3F]

Nevada Genoa Courthouse (oldest inactive). This 1865 building was first the government seat, then a school, and now a museum. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_/ai_3410665] Storey County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1877, this is the state's oldest continuously operating courthouse. [http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/nevada/sto.htm]

New Hampshire Old Grafton County Courthouse (oldest inactive). 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. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM1EE7]

New Jersey Old Salem County Courthouse. 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. [http://www.salemcitynj.com/trails.html Welcome to Salem, New Jersey ] ] See earlier sections for greater detail about this building.

New Mexico Union County Courthouse. Built in 1909, this is New Mexico's oldest county courthouse in continuous use. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/99491151@N00/1795362228/]

New York Fulton County Courthouse. Built in 1772, it is the oldest courthouse in the state. [http://courts.state.ny.us/history/pdf/Library/Courts/Fulton_County_Court_House.pdf Fulton County Court House ] ] See earlier sections for greater detail about this building.

North Carolina Chowan County Courthouse. 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. [http://www.edenton.com/history/court.htm Edenton, North Carolina - ICW-NET NE NC Communities: Internet Coastal Waterways Network Intracoastal Waterway , aka The Ditch ] ] See earlier sections for greater detail about this building.

North Dakota Stutsman County Courthouse (oldest inactive). The structure, built in 1883, is the oldest remaining courthouse in the state. [http://www.nd.gov/hist/sites/sitelist.htm]

Ohio Chester Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1823, this building is Ohio's oldest standing Courthouse and is today a museum. Somerset County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1829, this is a former county courthouse that is still in used today as a town court. [http://www.ohiojudges.org/_cms/tools/act_Download.cfm?FileID=70&/spotlightchestersomerset.pdf]

Oklahoma Kiowa County Courthouse. This courthouse was built in 1902 making it the oldest courthouse in Oklahoma in continuous use in the state. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/99491151@N00/362146038/]

Oregon Pioneer Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1875, this is the oldest extant federal building in the Pacific Northwest. [http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentId=19982&contentType=GSA_BASIC&noc=T] Benton County Courthouse (oldest active). Built in 1889, it is the oldest courthouse in Oregon that is still used for its original purpose. [http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAAP]

Pennsylvania Old Chester Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1724, this is the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States given it still serves other public functions to this day. [ [http://www.oldchesterpa.com/1724_Courthouse.htm 1724 Court House, Chester, PA ] ] See earlier sections for greater detail on this building. Lehigh County Courthouse (oldest active but altered). Built in 1817, this courthouse is the oldest active courthouse but it was altered in 1841 to show a new style. Bedford County Courthouse (oldest relatively unaltered). [http://www.mapsofpa.com/countyseats.htm] Built in 1828, this is the oldest relatively unaltered active courthouse in the state. [http://www.mapsofpa.com/countyseats.htm]

Rhode Island The White Horse Tavern (oldest inactive). Constructed before 1673 in Newport, 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. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Horse_Tavern_(Rhode_Island)] As of 2008, it still remains a popular drinking and dining location.

South Carolina Charleston County Courthouse. Built in 1753, this is the state's oldest courthouse. [ [http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/charleston/ccc.htm Charleston County Courthouse ] ] See earlier sections for greater detail on this courthouse.

South Dakota Huchinson County Courthouse. Built in 1881, this is the oldest functioning courthouse in South Dakota. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/99491151@N00/2679324630/]

Tennessee Hawkins County Courthouse. Built in 1836, it is one of six antebellum courthouses still in use in Tennessee and it is the oldest courthouse still in use in the state.

Texas "Old Cora" Courthouse (oldest inactive). The 1856 split-log, one-roomed courthouse served as a post office as well as district court. [http://www.texasescapes.com/TRIPS/GreatAmericanLegendTour/ComancheCountyCourthouse/OldCora.htm] Cass County Courthouse (oldest active). It was built in 1861. [http://www.angelfire.com/tx/rangerexes/tx_courthouses.htm]

Utah Brigham City Courthouse. 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. [http://boxelder.uber.matchbin.com/pages/brigham_city]

Vermont Windham County Courthouse. It was built in 1825 and remains active. [http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/population/photos/ShowCH.asp?FIPS=50025]

Virginia King William County Courthouse, Virginia. Built in 1725, this is the oldest courthouse still in continuous use in the United States. [ [http://www.kingwilliamcounty.us/ Welcome to King William County ] ] It is also the oldest public building still in use in Virginia. See earlier sections for greater detail about this building.

Washington Territorial Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1858 and Washington's oldest brick building, it served many purposes over time including as a courthouse. [http://www.whatcomhistory.net/tctf.html] Columbia County Courthouse. It is the oldest active courthouse in the State of Washington. It was built in 1887. [http://www.aviewofamerica.com/Categories/HistoricBuildings/WA/columbiacountycourthouse.htm]

West Virginia Hardy County Courthouse (oldest inactive). Built in 1792, it served until 1860 and is now a luxury apartment building. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/brokenlens/2374963449/] Wisconsin Iowa County Courthouse. Built in 1859, it is the state's oldest active courthouse. [http://www.explorewisconsin.com/countypages/Iowa.asp]

Wyoming Uinta County Courthouse. Built in 1873, it was drastically modified in 1904 but is nevertheless the state's oldest courthouse. [http://books.google.com/books?id=Xbyzo0lKIUwC&pg=PA394&lpg=PA394&dq=uinta+wyoming+oldest+courthouse&source=web&ots=UlOXuOiO7j&sig=GAh--yfeexvUrjyTYMoNCDTjgHo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]

References

External links