Ocean County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ocean County Courthouse
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 Location in Ocean County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Washington Street, Toms River, New Jersey USA |
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| Area | 3.5 acres (1.4 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001610 |
The Ocean County Courthouse is a very old and important building. It is located in Toms River, New Jersey. This courthouse is where many legal decisions are made for Ocean County, New Jersey. It was built in 1851 and has a special design. Because of its history and architecture, it is listed on important historic registers.
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What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a place where legal matters are handled. It is where judges work and trials happen. People go to a courthouse for many reasons. This includes solving disagreements or dealing with laws. The Ocean County Courthouse serves as the main court building for its county. It helps make sure justice is served for everyone.
A Look Back in Time
The Ocean County Courthouse was finished in 1851. This means it is over 170 years old! Imagine all the history this building has seen. It has been a central part of the community for a very long time. Many important decisions for Ocean County have been made within its walls.
The County Seat
Toms River became the county seat for Ocean County in 1850. A county seat is the main town or city of a county. It is where the county government offices are located. This includes the courthouse. So, a new courthouse was needed for the growing county. The building we see today was built for this purpose.
Special Architecture
The Ocean County Courthouse is known for its Greek Revival style of architecture. This style was popular in the United States in the early 1800s. It was inspired by ancient Greek temples.
What is Greek Revival?
Greek Revival buildings often have grand columns. They also feature simple, strong shapes. You might see a triangular roof section called a pediment. This style was chosen to show strength and importance. It made public buildings look serious and respected. The courthouse's design reflects these classic features.
Becoming a Historic Place
The Ocean County Courthouse is recognized as a very important historic site. It is listed on two special registers. These lists help protect old and important buildings.
New Jersey Register of Historic Places
First, the courthouse was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1981. This register lists historic places within the state of New Jersey. Its number on this list is #2292. Being on this list means the state recognizes its value.
National Register of Historic Places
Later, in 1983, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a national list of historic places across the entire United States. Its number on this list is #83001610. This shows its importance on a much larger scale. These listings help make sure the courthouse is preserved for future generations.
