Centre County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Centre County Courthouse
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Centre County Courthouse, April 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | High St., Bellefonte, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1805, 1835, 1854-55, 1909, 1963-64 |
| Built by | George W. Tate (1854-55 extension) |
| Architect | Newman & Harris (1909 extension) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001618 |
| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1976 |
The Centre County Courthouse is a very old and important building. It is located in Bellefonte, in Centre County, Pennsylvania. This building is where many important decisions for the county are made. It has been around for a long time, seeing many changes over the years.
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A Look at the Centre County Courthouse
The Centre County Courthouse is a special place. It helps the local government serve the people. A courthouse is where legal cases are heard. It is also where official records are kept. This building plays a big role in the community.
Its Long History
The first part of the courthouse was built in 1805. That makes it over 200 years old! Over time, the building grew and changed. New sections were added in 1835, 1854–55, 1909, and 1963-64. Each addition helped the building meet the needs of the growing county.
Who Built It?
Many people helped build and change the courthouse. George W. Tate worked on an addition in 1854-55. Later, Newman & Harris were the architects for the 1909 extension. These builders and architects helped shape the building we see today.
What Does It Look Like?
The courthouse is a large brick building. It sits on a strong stone foundation. The outside is covered in a smooth material called stucco. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides, called a gable roof. On top of the roof, there is a small tower called a cupola.
Special Features
One of the most striking parts is the front porch. It was added in 1835. This porch has a Greek Revival style. It features eight tall columns, each 26 feet high. These columns have special tops called Ionic order capitals. They make the building look grand and important. The building is about 135 feet long and 60 feet wide.
Why Is It Important?
The Centre County Courthouse is important for its history and architecture. Because of its special value, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This list includes buildings that are important to the history of the United States. The courthouse is also part of the larger Bellefonte Historic District. This means it helps tell the story of the whole town.
