Bradford County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bradford County Courthouse
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Bradford County Courthouse, November 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 301 Main St., Towanda, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 4.7 acres (1.9 ha) |
| Built | 1847-1848, 1896-1898, c. 1905 |
| Built by | Bradley, Thomas |
| Architect | Lehman & Schmitt |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Renaissance |
| NRHP reference No. | 86003573 |
| Added to NRHP | January 6, 1987 |
The Bradford County Courthouse is a really important building in Towanda, Pennsylvania. It's where many official things happen for Bradford County. Think of it as the main office for local government and justice! This amazing building was mostly built between 1896 and 1898. It has a grand design with a huge dome on top.
This courthouse isn't just any building; it's a historic landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's recognized as a special place that's important to the history of the United States.
Contents
What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a building where legal cases are heard and decided. It's where judges, lawyers, and juries work together. People go to the courthouse for many reasons, like getting married, dealing with property, or solving disagreements. It's a place where laws are upheld and justice is served for the community.
The Courthouse Design and Features
The Bradford County Courthouse is a four-story building. It has a unique shape, like a cross, which is called "cruciform." Its design mixes two fancy styles: Classical Revival and Renaissance Revival. These styles often use grand columns and balanced shapes, making buildings look very impressive.
Outside the Building
The outside walls of the courthouse are made from rough-looking sandstone. This gives the building a strong and solid feel. One of the most striking features is its huge dome. This dome is 50 feet wide and sits proudly on top of the roof.
Grand Entrance
The main entrance has a special covered porch called a portico. This portico is supported by strong columns. These columns follow a design called the Tuscan order, which is a simple but elegant style from ancient times.
The Old Annex Building
Next to the main courthouse, there's a smaller, two-story brick building. This is called an annex, and it's much older than the main courthouse. It was built way back in 1847 and 1848. It probably served as the county's main building before the larger courthouse was built.
Soldiers' Monument
Also on the property, you'll find a large monument dedicated to soldiers. This monument was put up around 1905. It stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country.
Gallery
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Bradford County Soldiers Memorial, November 2009
