Northampton County Courthouse (Easton, Pennsylvania) | 1860s construction, historical building

 courthouse, 1860s construction, historical building

The Courthouse (1861). The first courthouse was built in 1765 by the colonial government in Centre Square (Third & Northhampton) and torn down in 1861. The present courthouse is several blocks north (SiC) from the town center atop one of Easton's many hills and the front faces Walnut Street. The oldest part is the center section with portico and tower, built in 1861 in the Classical Revival style.

The west wing and a rear section were added in 1887 and the east wing in 1913. In 1921 the west wing was further extended and so is larger than the east. This entire structure is of similar architecture, has been painted white, and appears today as an integrated whole. In 1976 an annex was added to the back and attached to the courthouse by a covered hallway. Currently (2006) an additional large modern building is nearing completion behind the annex which will front onto Washington Street, the next street up the hill from Walnut.

This building will likely eventually assume some courthouse functions. The fortress like jail , with the original parts built in 1871, is immediately to the east of the courthouse and still in use.

www.mapsofpa.com/countyseatse.htm
www.northamptoncounty.org/northampton/site/default.asp

669 Washington St.,Easton, PA 18042-7411
Phone: (610)559-3000
Fax: (610)559-3106