Brockville in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Johnstown District Court House and Gaol
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2014
1. Johnstown District Court House and Gaol Marker
In 1808 the provincial government authorized the erection of a court house and gaol in Elizabethtown (Brockville) to serve the District of Johnstown created ten years earlier. By 1811 a brick structure had been built here on land donated by William Buell, the founder of Brockville. It was replaced in 1824 by a larger building which remained the judicial and administrative centre of the region until the present court house was completed in 1843. Prominently situated at the head of the public green, this imposing Neo-classical structure was designed by the noted Toronto architect John George Howard and constructed by Benjamin Chaffey, a local contractor. Subsequently enlarged and renovated, it retains the arrangement of prison and court facilites so effectively integrated in the original plan.
Erected by Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Citizenship and Culture.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 44° 35.426′ N, 75° 41.12′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Ontario and specifically in Southeastern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brockville Infantry Company / The Brockville Rifles (a few steps from this marker); Major General Sir Isaac Brock (a few steps from this marker); Court House Avenue (a few steps from this marker); Sally Grant (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Sir Isaac Brock. K.C.B. (within shouting distance of this marker); Hubbell Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Morris House
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 8, 2014
2. Johnstown District Court House and Gaol Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
