Morris County Courthouse

The Old Courthouse

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The Old Courthouse

• The first courthouse was built of logs in 1755 near the center of the Morristown Green.
• It served also as a jail until 1770 when the Freeholders purchased the building from the Presbyterian Church for £5 (English currency).
• The second building, pictured above, was located on the north side of the Green. Note the well and sweep (right) and pillory (left).
• In 1776 a second story, cupola, and bell were added.
• This courthouse and jail served Morris County until 1827 when the present brick building was completed.

Thoughts for a New Courthouse

• As Morris County’s population grew, so did the need for expanded facilities.
• The Freeholders first met on July 7, 1825 to discuss the possibility of building a new courthouse, jail and offices.
• Architect Joseph M. Lindsley of Morristown and architect-builder Lewis Carter of Chatham were chosen to design and build the new courthouse.

New Location and Design

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New Design

• The freeholders purchased land two blocks from the Green on Washington Street, for the sum of $100 from James Wood and his wife.
• The cornerstone is a simple brownstone block inscribed with “1827”. It was formally laid in July, 1826.
• The cost of construction was listed in The Morristown Palladium of Liberty, a local newspaper, as $20,000.

Changing Faces 

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Changing Faces

• Over the years the courthouse has changed its exterior appearance on two occasions.
• In the mid-nineteenth century, the entire exterior was painted grey.
• This c.1860 image shows the courthouse prior to the construction of the Sherriff’s house with its Victorian coat of grey paint.
  
  

Late Victorian Era Changes

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Late Victorian Era Changes

• Prior to the Civil War a wing was added facing Court Street. It was separated from the courthouse by a jail yard.
• The Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Grand Jury met in the County Hall on the second floor.
• Toward the end of the nineteenth century, the grey paint was removed and the Sherriff’s house was constructed.
  
  

Exterior Growth 

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Exterior Growth

• Nineteenth century photographs and sketches show the iron fence atop a stone wall on the Court Street side, and at sidewalk level on Washington Street.
• By the turn of the century the fence had been removed and replaced with the present puddingstone wall.

Almost Lost

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Charles W. Parker

• Prior to its 100th anniversary in 1927, the courthouse faced demolition when some citizens wanted to replace it with a modern building.
• The movement to preserve the courthouse was headed by Justice Charles W. Parker, 1862-1948 (see right), who authorized the construction of a Hall of Records building on Ann Street.
  
  

The Roaring 20s

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The Roaring 20's

• The courthouse was repainted white and cream in the mid-1920’s in preparation for its 100th anniversary.
• The cream and white color scheme remained for thirty years until it was removed for the rededication of the courthouse in 1956.
  
  

The Fabulous 50s

• Built before 1900, the Sheriff’s house was connected to the main courthouse when the entire complex was remodeled and enlarged in 1956.
• This picture from the 1950s shows a side door and porch between the Sheriff’s house and courthouse.
• The gallows were located behind the courthouse.
  
  

Courthouse Addition

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The Fabulous 50's

• By 1954, it was necessary to integrate the various buildings into one unified complex. The Freeholders authorized a new wing (on Western Avenue) which was dedicated in 1956.
  
  

Growing Pains

• The courthouse was expanded during the twentieth century through building additions and land acquisitions.
• The original tract of 1.2 acres eventually included the entire block.
• Later acquisitions included the block between Court Street and Schuyler Place.
  
  

Changes, Changes and More Changes

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Courthouse Addition

• The Washington Building on Schuyler Place was purchased in 1958.
• A new Hall of Records was built in 1969 and re-dedicated as the Administration and Records Building in 1989.
• The Ann Street annex, built in 1971, was also incorporated into the courthouse complex.

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Morris County Flag

• The Morris County Coat of Arms and the county flag designed by Albert O. Halse were unveiled at the 1956 dedication.
• The flag’s three vertical stripes represent England, Germany and the Netherlands, honoring Morris County’s early European settlers.
• The coat of arms is based on the family crest of New Jersey’s first governor, Lewis Morris.

Historic Site Marker

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Historic Site Marker

• A brief description of the courthouse’s architectural importance is described on a county historic site marker as being one of the finest examples of a Federal style public building in New Jersey.
• The marker was erected in 1976 by the Morris County Heritage Commission.
  
  

Historic Elements

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Cupola

• Historic elements are more than just the building fabric. They include:
  • Architect or builder
  • Purpose for which the building was constructed
  • Event (s)
  • Historically significant event (s) that took place at the property.
  • Person(s)
  • Historic persons associated with the building or property.
    
    

Exterior Features

• The only exterior features not original to the building are the double front entrance doors to the main lobby and the weather vane.
• The weathervane was installed in the 1920’s; it was modeled after the plow on the New Jersey State seal.
  
  

Cupola

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Justice

• The domed gold-leafed cupola surmounts the roof directly above the front pediment.
• Its corners are defined by four sets of Ionic columns.
• Louvers on each side are enclosed within keyed arches.
  
  

Justice

• Above the entrance of the courthouse in the pediment is a statue representing Justice.
• The scales in her left hand represent a balanced judicial system.
• The sword in her right hand symbolizes the protection of individual rights.
• Unlike many of her counterparts, Morris County’s Justice is not blindfolded.
  
  

The Judge’s Bench

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Judge's Bench

• Courtroom #1 is often described as the jewel of the courthouse.
• It has changed little after more than 180 years of continual service.
• Window-height paneling on the east wall incorporates four fluted Ionic pilasters that create a backdrop for the judge’s bench.
• The bench is supported by two Ionic columns and finished with a palmetto frieze.
• The four large windows on the north wall are original to the building.
• The windows on the south wall were removed during additions.
  
  

Courtroom #1

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Courtroom #1

Some restoration work was done in 1955 but all of the important features remain:

• The west wall’s gallery retains its original pews.
• Entry to the gallery is through the original low doorway, which still has its original lock.
• The original staves used by bailiffs to maintain order are stacked in their racks on each side of the courtroom.
• The room features columnar radiators from the original central heating system.

During its long history, the county courthouse has heard several famous cases, including:

• The Antoine Leblanc(PDF, 130KB) murder trial(PDF, 80KB) of 1833.
• The Jeanette Lawrence(PDF, 348KB) murder trial of the 1920s.
• Civil rights activist Leroi Jones(PDF, 31KB)‘s appeal trial in 1967.
• The first trial was held in Essex County.
• The Karen Ann Quinlan(PDF, 26KB) opinion, 1976.

The Courthouse Today

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The Courthouse Today

• The building is composed of two principal stories plus attic and high basement, and four gable-end chimneys.
• Only minor changes have been made to the original structure.
• The original fireplaces and chimneys still remain, though unused.
• Unfortunately, all early floor plans, architectural drawings, and other specifications no longer exist.
• The courthouse continues to serve the citizens of Morris County.