Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dauphin County Courthouse
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, March 15, 2008
1. Dauphin County Courthouse Marker
Inscription.
Dauphin County Courthouse. . Dauphin County's third and present courthouse since the 1785 creation of the County was completed in 1943 at this, the traditional and most prominent entrance to the City of Harrisburg. It replaced the second Courthouse, erected in 1860, which stood on the northeast corner of Market and Court Streets. The present building, designed by the noted Harrisburg architectural firm of Lawrie and Green in the neo-classic revival interpretation of the Art Deco style, is a monumental edifice representing a temple of justice as the seat of the County Court system. The building's exterior is clad with white Georgia marble while its interior is laden with inscriptions, figurines, icons and carvings in wood, marble and glass tracing important elements to the founding and growth of Dauphin County as well as with symbols of law, justice and wisdom among many others. The main first floor lobby features an enlarged map of Dauphin County, depicting roads, towns and topographic features, which is inlayed in the terrazzo floor. The building is a treasure-trove of rich and unusual woods, a variety of marble and other quality building materials employed in a stylistic fashion making this a highly developed and beautifully executed example of the monolithic public building of its time. Note the stately front fountain and pool above where stands the statue of "Youth Crushing Evil." , Top Photo , The approach to Harrisburg in 1915 from the Market Street Bridge. site of present Courthouse is at right. , Middle Photo , 1860 view of the southeast corner of Front and Market Streets. , Bottom Photo , Dauphin County Courthouse in 1944 shortly after completion.
Dauphin County's third and present courthouse since the 1785 creation of the County was completed in 1943 at this, the traditional and most prominent entrance to the City of Harrisburg. It replaced the second Courthouse, erected in 1860, which stood on the northeast corner of Market and Court Streets. The present building, designed by the noted Harrisburg architectural firm of Lawrie and Green in the neo-classic revival interpretation of the Art Deco style, is a monumental edifice representing a temple of justice as the seat of the County Court system. The building's exterior is clad with white Georgia marble while its interior is laden with inscriptions, figurines, icons and carvings in wood, marble and glass tracing important elements to the founding and growth of Dauphin County as well as with symbols of law, justice and wisdom among many others. The main first floor lobby features an enlarged map of Dauphin County, depicting roads, towns and topographic features, which is inlayed in the terrazzo floor. The building is a treasure-trove of rich and unusual woods, a variety of marble and other quality building materials employed in a stylistic fashion making this a highly developed and beautifully executed example of the monolithic public building of its time. Note the stately front fountain and pool above where stands the statue of
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"Youth Crushing Evil." Top Photo
The approach to Harrisburg in 1915 from the Market Street Bridge. site of present Courthouse is at right.
Middle Photo
1860 view of the southeast corner of Front and Market Streets.
Bottom Photo
Dauphin County Courthouse in 1944 shortly after completion.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1785.
Location. 40° 15.497′ N, 76° 52.991′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker is at the intersection of Market Street and Front Street, on the right when traveling west on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The courthouse is found in a handsome setting along the banks of the Susquehanna River, across from the beautiful city park that lines the banks of the river.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 19, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,580 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 19, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on March 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 5. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Christine Martin of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on April 8, 2010, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.