Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Monongalia County Courthouse
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2014
1. Monongalia County Courthouse Marker
Monongalia County was established in 1776 from the Virginia District of West Augusta and named for the Monongahela River. When the Mason Dixon line was formally recognized in 1783, officials determined that the first meeting place of the county court (now the county commission) was actually in Pennsylvania, so the court met at the home of Zackquill Morgan until a new courthouse was erected. The second courthouse was finished 1784 at a cost of $250. After its demolition, a third building was constructed in 1802, and a fourth in 1848 at a cost of $6.500. The fifth and current courthouse was built in 1891 at a cost of $43,478, and the annex was completed in 1976 for an additional $1.5 million. The courthouse was designed by architect James Baily of Pittsburgh in the Romanesque Revival Style.Erected by Frontiers to Mountaineers - Heritage Tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 39° 37.781′ N, 79° 57.387′ W. Marker is in Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2014
2. Monongalia County Courthouse Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Courthouse Square (here, next to this marker); To the Patriots of the American Revolution (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); Honor Roll (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Korean Conflict Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Vietnam Conflict Memorial (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgantown.
Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry. “In 1884 the courthouse was declared dangerous. The County Court began making plans for a new building and in 1887 James P Bailey, an architect from Pittsburgh, Pa, was hired for $25 to design a new courthouse. There was much opposition from the townspeople which resulted in two failed proposed bond issues for a new courthouse. On September 13, 1890, county officials removed the records from the courthouse at midnight and began demolition on the building. The townspeople sought a couth injunction to stop further work but the court officials had all left town and no local lawyer would represent them.” (Submitted on June 20, 2014.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 20, 2014
3. Monongalia County Courthouse Marker
Marker can be seen to the right of the flag pole.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on May 4, 2018, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 20, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
