Photo of the Month

October, 2002

THE FIRST COLUMBIA COUNTY COURTHOUSE

BUILT IN BLOOMSBURG

With the creation of Columbia County from Northumberland County on March 22, 1813, Danville became the first county seat. However, within a few years a political fight between Bloomsburg and Danville emerged over the location of the courthouse. This contentious issue lasting thirty years was finally resolved when voters in a referendum on October 14, 1845, overwhelmingly approved the removal of the county government to Bloomsburg.

Prior to the vote, Bloomsburg agreed to bear the cost of building a new courthouse and jail. A subscription committee succeeded in raising $11,000 for the project. William Robison and Elisha H. Biggs each donated a lot for the courthouse site. Napoleon LeBrum, a Philadelphia architect, designed the two storied brick structure in an Ionic style. It was fifty by sixty feet, exclusive of a front portico, with a steeple eighty feet above the ground. Fourteen steps led to the portico, supported by six white columns. From there one entered a vestibule and then into a large courtroom with a balcony. Offices for the county officials were in the building’s lower level.

The county commissioners awarded the construction contract to George Mears, a contractor from Franklin Township. The cornerstone was put into place on August 14, 1846.

The committee raised $11,000 in private contributions for building the courthouse, jail, and sheriff’s house. However, due to unanticipated costs and lack of additional donations, the state permitted the county commissioners to spend $2,500 to complete the project. The courthouse opened its doors for business on November 30, 1847, and the first court session occurred on January 17, 1848.

In later years there would be three additions to the building. Looking at the courthouse today from a side view, one can see the original building since it is an older type of brick than found in the front and back.