Johnstown in Fulton County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Tryon County Courthouse

Revolutionary War Heritage Trail

Photographed By Joe Harness, July 20, 2011

1. Tryon County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. This is the only colonial period courthouse still in use in New York State. Tryon County was formed in March 1772 after much lobbying by Sir William Johnson. He donated most of the money needed to build a new courthouse designed by Samuel Fuller of Schenectady, the architect for Johnson Hall.

Four of the first judges in the King's Court were Sir William's Masonic brothers in St. Patrick's Lodge. Those four - John Butler, Guy Johnson, Johnson, and Daniel Claus - remained loyal to Britain while three other judges (Peter Conye, John Wells and Jelles Fonda) supported the American cause.

In 1777 Walter Butler, John's oldest son, a lawyer in Johnstown, was arrested for trying to recruit locals to the British cause after the Battle of Oriskany. General Benedict Arnold brought him to trial in this courthouse. Col. Marinus Willet presided and Walter Butler was convicted as a traitor and spy. He later escaped to Canada and only returned to this area as part of British military raids.

Erected by Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor, HeritageNY.gov, NBT Bank.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1772.

Location. 43° 0.398′ N, 74° 22.463′ W. Marker is in Johnstown

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, New York, in Fulton County. Marker is on North William Street (New York State Route 29) near West Main Street (New York State Route 67), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Johnstown NY 12095, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonial Court House (here, next to this marker); Suffrage Pioneer (a few steps from this marker); Johnson Hall - 1763 (within shouting distance of this marker); General Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthias B. Hildreth (within shouting distance of this marker); Founder of Johnstown (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Superintendent of Indian Affairs (about 300 feet away); A Military Commander (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnstown.

Also see . . . Fulton County Courthouse - National Archives. National Register of Historic Places documentation (Submitted on February 12, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2012, by Joe Harness of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 523 times since then and 27 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 17, 2012, by Joe Harness of Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.