Gloucester County Courthouse (New Jersey) facts for kids
The Gloucester County Courthouse is a very old and important building in Woodbury, New Jersey. It serves as the main courthouse for Gloucester County, New Jersey, where important legal decisions are made. Woodbury is known as the county seat, which means it's the central town for the county's government.
What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a special building where legal cases are heard. It's where judges, lawyers, and juries work together. People come to a courthouse for many reasons. This includes solving disagreements or making decisions about laws. It's a key part of how local government works.
The Building's Design and History
The Gloucester County Courthouse was built a long time ago, in 1885. It was designed by a team of architects named Hazelhurst and Huckel. They were known for designing other important buildings, like the Union Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
This courthouse has a unique history. When it was built, parts of an even older building were used. For example, the cornerstone, which is a special stone laid at the start of construction, came from a courthouse built in 1787. The bell in the clock tower is also from that much older building. This means parts of the courthouse are over 200 years old!
A Recognized Historic Place
The Gloucester County Courthouse is considered a very important historic building. It is part of the Broad Street Historic District. This district is a special area with many old and important buildings. Because of its history and architecture, the courthouse was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1988. Being on this list means it's officially recognized as a valuable part of New Jersey's heritage.
