Bergen County Court House facts for kids
|
Bergen County Court House Complex
|
|
The Bergen County Court House
|
|
 Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Court, Main and Essex Streets, Hackensack, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Area | 5.9 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | James Riely Gordon |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001468 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1983 |
The Bergen County Court House Complex is a group of important buildings in Hackensack, New Jersey. It includes the main courthouse, an administration building, and an annex. This complex serves as the center for legal and government activities in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Contents
History of the Bergen County Court House
The current Bergen County Courthouse is actually the sixth one built for the county. Bergen County was created in 1683. In 1710, Hackensack became the main town, or "county seat," for Bergen.
Early Courthouses
- The first courthouse was built in 1715. It was located near where the current one stands and also had a jail.
- The second courthouse was built in 1734. It stood near a public area called "the Green." Sadly, British soldiers burned it down in 1780 during the American Revolutionary War.
- After that, a temporary log building was used as the third courthouse in Oakland.
- The courthouse then moved to the home of John Hopper in Ho-Ho-Kus.
- After the war ended, it moved again to Archibald Campbell's house in Hackensack.
A New Permanent Home
In 1786, a new courthouse and jail opened in Hackensack. This was possible because Peter Zabriskie donated land. His home, called "The Mansion," was famous because George Washington often stayed there. The Mansion later became a hotel and was torn down in 1945.
By 1822, the courthouse needed more space. A new one was built where the current courthouse stands today. This building was used for over 90 years.
The Current Courthouse
The current Bergen County Courthouse is the sixth one. James Riely Gordon, a talented engineer, won a contest to design it. The building's style is called American Renaissance. Construction began in 1910 and finished in 1912. It cost one million dollars to build! The jail, designed in a medieval style, was also completed in 1912.
The courthouse was recognized as a historic place in 1982 and 1983. It is listed on both the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.
The Green and General Poor
Across the street from the courthouse is "the Green." This public square is where the second courthouse once stood. You can find a marker there showing its old location.
At one corner of the Green, there is a bronze statue of General Enoch Poor. General Poor was a hero in the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. He served under General Washington. General Poor died in 1780 and is buried nearby at the Dutch Reformed Church. Both General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette attended his funeral.
Construction and Design
The Bergen County Court House is known for its beautiful design and artwork.
Inside the Rotunda Building
The main part of the courthouse is called the rotunda building.
- Its inside dome looks like the Pantheon in Rome.
- A fountain was once on the first floor but was removed in 1930.
- In the 1930s, as part of a government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA), murals were painted. These large paintings are in courtrooms 253, 352, and 357.
- William Winter, a local artist, designed all three murals.
- The murals in room 352 show the beginnings of American Law.
- Those in room 253 show local historical scenes.
- The murals in room 357 represent ancient Roman Law.
- The rotunda building also has four stained glass skylights. One large skylight in the dome shows the names of important judges. The other three have the Bergen County seal.
- The inside of the rotunda is decorated with marble, bronze, and cast iron.
Outside the Rotunda Building
- The outside walls of the rotunda building are made from Vermont marble.
- On top of the dome is a copper statue called "Enlightenment Giving Power." It was created by Johannes Gelert.
- Around the dome, there are forty panels that show scenes from the first Roman Law.
- Five bronze eagles decorate the corners of the building. In 1994, the eagles and the "Enlightenment" statue were covered in gold leaf.
- Four sculptures are on the front of the building facing Court Street.
- Two sculptures each have three figures. One group shows Truth, Justice, and Integrity. The other shows Honor, Law, and Order.
- Two other statues stand on the main steps. One represents History, and the other represents Law.
Other Buildings
- The Administration Building was built between 1929 and 1933. Its style is called neoclassical. Its outside walls are made from Arkansas limestone.
- The Annex building connects the Administration Building to the rotunda building. It was finished in 1958.
In Popular Culture
The Bergen County Court House Complex has been featured in several movies and TV shows.
Film
- Hackers
- Before and After
- The Devil's Advocate
- Changing Lanes
Television
- Law & Order
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Bergen para niños
