Johnstown in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Eastern Ontario's First Court House and Gaol
Photographed By Kevin Craft, August 4, 2015
1. Eastern Ontario's First Court House and Gaol Marker
Inscription.
Eastern Ontario's first Court House and Gaol was constructed on the waterfront south of this site between 1795 and 1797. The complex included a chamber for the District Court on the upper floor as well as cells and a room for the jailer on the lower level. Later a pillory and stocks were erected next to the Court House. The entire area was enclosed with a picket fence constructed with cedar posts eight feet high. In 1810 the Court and Gaol were moved to new facilities in Brockville, despite the vehement protest of the Johnstown citizens. The structure later served as a place of public worship and as a barracks and gaol during the War of 18 12. It fell into a state of disrepair and eventually burned to the ground in 1875.
Eastern Ontario's first Court House and Gaol was constructed on the waterfront south of this site between 1795 and 1797. The complex included a chamber for the District Court on the upper floor as well as cells and a room for the jailer on the lower level. Later a pillory and stocks were erected next to the Court House. The entire area was enclosed with a picket fence constructed with cedar posts eight feet high. In 1810 the Court and Gaol were moved to new facilities in Brockville, despite the vehement protest of the Johnstown citizens. The structure later served as a place of public worship and as a barracks and gaol during the War of 1812. It fell into a state of disrepair and eventually burned to the ground in 1875.
Erected by Grenville County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location. 44° 44.693′ N, 75° 27.952′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Ontario, in Leeds and Grenville United Counties. Marker is at the intersection of Provincial Highway 2 and Provincial Highway 16, on the right when traveling west on Provincial Highway 2. Marker is located in a lovely turnout in the shadows of the Ogdensburg/Prescott bridge
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that crosses the St. Lawrence river. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Johnstown ON K0E 1T1, Canada. Touch for directions.
2. Eastern Ontario's First Court House and Gaol Marker
View from the marker towards the waterfront
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2015, by Kevin Craft of Bedford, Quebec. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.