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Adams County Courthouse (Pennsylvania) facts for kids

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Adams County Courthouse
Adams PA Courthouse 2.JPG
Adams County Courthouse (Pennsylvania) is located in Pennsylvania
Adams County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)
Location in Pennsylvania
Adams County Courthouse (Pennsylvania) is located in the United States
Adams County Courthouse (Pennsylvania)
Location in the United States
Location Baltimore and W. Middle Sts., Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Area 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1858
Architect Stephen Decatur Button
John R. Turner (builder)
Architectural style Italianate
NRHP reference No. 74001728
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP October 1, 1974

The Adams County Courthouse is an important historical building in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It was built a long time ago, in 1858, and started being used in 1859. This building is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1974.

About the Adams County Courthouse

A courthouse is where important legal decisions are made. It is a place for trials and other official government activities. The Adams County Courthouse serves the people of Adams County in Pennsylvania.

Building Features

The Adams County Courthouse was designed by an architect named Stephen Decatur Button from Philadelphia. John R. Turner from Carlisle, Pennsylvania was the builder. The building is made of red brick. It was originally painted gray.

The courthouse has two main floors. It is three sections wide and six sections deep. In 1895, more parts were added to the back of the building. A tall clock tower stands about 70 feet (21 m) above the ground.

Role in History

The Adams County Courthouse played a special role during the Battle of Gettysburg. This famous battle happened during the American Civil War. The courthouse was used by both sides of the war.

It served as a command post for military leaders. It was also used as a place to care for injured soldiers. Both Union and Confederate armies used it as a hospital. This shows how important the building was during that time.

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