Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington County Courthouse
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008
1. Washington County Courthouse Marker
Inscription.
Washington County Courthouse. . This is Washington County's third courthouse. When the county was established in 1776, the first courthouse, a combination building that served also as a market house, was built in the middle of the town square, one block east of here. It proved too small to house the government and too big and obstacle in the square. The county's affairs were moved to a new courthouse, built on the site of the present building 1818-22. That building burned in December 1871. The cornerstone of the present building was laid on October 9th, 1872. The design was by H. A. and J. P. Simms of Philadelphia and the construction was by Robert C. Thornburg. Just over a year later, on January 2nd, 1874, the County Commissioners accepted the completed courthouse and held their first meeting there. The Italianate style architecture of the building is unusual for this part of Maryland. An annex, attached in the rear was added in 1963.
This is Washington County's third courthouse. When the county was established in 1776, the first courthouse, a combination building that served also as a market house, was built in the middle of the town square, one block east of here. It proved too small to house the government and too big and obstacle in the square. The county's affairs were moved to a new courthouse, built on the site of the present building 1818-22. That building burned in December 1871. The cornerstone of the present building was laid on October 9th, 1872. The design was by H. A. and J. P. Simms of Philadelphia and the construction was by Robert C. Thornburg. Just over a year later, on January 2nd, 1874, the County Commissioners accepted the completed courthouse and held their first meeting there. The Italianate style architecture of the building is unusual for this part of Maryland. An annex, attached in the rear was added in 1963.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is January 2, 1874.
Location. 39° 38.574′ N, 77° 43.349′ W. Marker is in Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is on West Washington Street (U.S. 40), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 95 West Washington Street, Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008
2. Washington County Courthouse
Marker is to the right of the door.
Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer
3. Washington County Court House
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
4. Washington County Court House
Built 1785
Burned 1871
Rebuilt 1873
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
5. Washington County Court House Restored 1974
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017
6. Little Heiskell Embedded in the Sidewalk Washington County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2017. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,377 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 30, 2007, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 24, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
