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. 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,

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Maryland, in Washington County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region

and in Western Maryland.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: For God and Country (a few steps from this marker); Ransom of Hagerstown (a few steps from this marker); Crossroads of History (within shouting distance of this marker); Bench Mark "A" (within shouting distance of this marker); A City Divided (within shouting distance of this marker); Hagerstonians in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hattery and Glove Factory (about 300 feet away, measured

Washington County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, February 23, 2008

2. Washington County Courthouse

Marker is to the right of the door.

in a direct line); John Brown (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hagerstown.

Photographed by Roger Dean Meyer

3. Washington County Court House

Washington County<br>Court House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017

4. Washington County
Court House

Built 1785
Burned 1871
Rebuilt 1873

Washington County Court House<br>Restored 1974 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, August 13, 2017

5. Washington County Court House
Restored 1974

Little Heiskell<br>Embedded in the Sidewalk<br>Washington County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

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 1,656 times since then and 50 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.