Jefferson County Courthouse & Jail
Historic Brookville
With Brookville being named the county seat in 1830, officials planned and contracted the construction of the Jefferson County courthouse and jail that same year. The two-story stone jail building in the rear came first. Next came the brick courthouse, built by John Lucas and Robert Barr at a cost of $3,000 and completed in 1832. A small office building stood to the west.
In 1856, a two-story building that contained offices, the post office, sheriff's residence, and prison cells replaced the small office building. Between 1866 and 1869, during construction of a new courthouse, court was held in the Presbyterian Church. Designed by James W. Drum and costing $86,413, the new "Temple of Justice" was dedicated on September 13, 1869.
During the 19th century, public executions in the form of hangings were held on the lawn between the courthouse and jail.
A major renovation took place during the 1916-1926 tenure of President Judge Charles Corbet. The old jail was torn down and the west wing was added. New judge's chambers, jail cells, and the curbed steps seen today completed the project. During this renovation, court was held in the Brookville Park Auditorium Building or "White Elephant."
In 2009, the Jefferson County Courthouse once again underwent extensive renovation, a project costing $5,000,000.
[Photo captions,
this page online
• Pioneer Courthouse and Jail, circa 1832
• Jefferson County Courthouse and Jail, circa 1905
• Courthouse After 1927 Renovation
• Illegal Stills and Gambling Machines Stored in the Courthouse Basement During Prohibition
• Elizabeth Marlin McCreight, First Woman to Vote in Jefferson County, November 1929
Erected by Historic Brookville, Inc., Jeff Co History Center, Brookville Area Chamber, Jeff Co Hotel Tax Cmte, DCNR, PA Lumber Heritage Region, and PA Great Outdoors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 41° 9.622′ N, 79° 4.796′ W. Marker is in Brookville, Pennsylvania, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Main Street (U.S. 322) east of Barnett Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 Main Street, Brookville PA 15825, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McKnight Building (here, next to this marker); Dr. William J. McKnight (a few steps from this marker); Uriah Matson Building (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson County National Bank (a few steps from this marker); Jefferson County (within shouting
Also see . . .
1. Brookville PA National Register Historic District Nomination. (Submitted on July 13, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Jefferson County PA Official Website. (Submitted on July 13, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 263 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2021, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
