Hackensack in Bergen County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bergen County Court House / Bergen County Old Jail
James Riely Gordon (1863–1937), noted architect of public buildings used the Beaux Arts style to reflect the power and dignity of American institutions of government and justice. Ground was broken November 29, 1909 and the cornerstone laid on July 6, 1910. On February 1912 the building was completed at a cost of $1,617,000. The original design had space for County government and State and County courts. This is the fifth courthouse to stand in Hackensack since becoming the County Seat in 1710. This Classical granite and marble building with its dome modeled on the U.S. Capitol also incorporated other art forms—painting, sculpture and stained glass. On top of the dome’s cupola is the statue Enlightenment Giving Power by John Gelert. The marble statues on the walls flanking the main steps represent History and Law.
[Bergen County Old Jail Side]:
Architect James Riely Gordon designed the jail in the fortified Medieval Revival style. This style of architecture incorporates fortress-like elements such as turrets, parapets and slit windows related to imprisonment in ancient castles and dungeons. The building’s cross-shaped plan has wings radiating out from a central octagonal tower surmounted by a domed skylight filled with decorative glass. This tower, used for ventilation, allowed for a few guards to oversee many prisoners held in the detention cells. The cells were the latest prefabricated design with locking devices and other control mechanisms. The east wing was devoted to the Sheriff’s residence. Constructed simultaneously with the Court House, the jail was completed in 1912 at a cost of $250,000. It was decommissioned as an active jail in 1993.
Erected 2006 by the County of Bergen.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the New Jersey, Bergen County Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1912.
Location. 40° 52.735′ N, 74° 2.602′ W. Marker is in Hackensack, New Jersey, in Bergen County. Marker is at the intersection of Court Street and Moore Street, on the right when traveling east on Court Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hackensack NJ 07601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Brigadier General Enoch Poor (a few steps from this marker); Gen. Enoch Poor (a few steps from this marker); The Huguenots (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic First Reformed Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hackensack Soldier and Sailor Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Grave of Gen. Enoch Poor (within shouting distance of this marker); The Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Court-House & Jail (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hackensack.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,702 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Chip Renner of Rochelle Park, N.j.. 7. submitted on April 3, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 8, 9, 10. submitted on April 20, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.