In 1813,

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Lebanon County ( ; ) is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 143,257. Its county seat is the city of Lebanon. It lies 72 miles northwest of Philadelphia, which is the nearest m ...

was founded from parts of Dauphin and

Lancaster Lancaster may refer to: Lands and titles *The County Palatine of Lancaster, a synonym for Lancashire *Duchy of Lancaster, one of only two British royal duchies *Duke of Lancaster *Earl of Lancaster *House of Lancaster, a British royal dynasty ...

counties. The new county did not yet have an official courthouse, so the county commissioners rented the Stoy House at 924 Cumberland Street to conduct court sessions.

James Buchanan James Buchanan Jr. ( ; April 23, 1791June 1, 1868) was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He also served as the United States Secretary of State, secretary of state from 1845 to 1849 and represented Pennsylvan ...

, who would become the 15th president of the United States, was one of the first lawyers to practice law in Lebanon County (from 1813 to 1817). A new official Lebanon County courthouse was built starting in 1817 and finished in 1818. It was located on the northwest corner of 8th and Cumberland Streets. As the county grew two annexes were added, in 1854 and 1887.Jaye, Randy. Lebanon County Courthouse: Remembering Lebanon’s most iconic landmark. ''LebTown.com'', July 9, 2021.Mark, P.G. The First Courthouse. ''Lebanon Daily News'', November 19, 1908, p.3.

Architectural attributes

The rectangular building was constructed in the

Greek Revival Greek Revival architecture is a architectural style, style that began in the middle of the 18th century but which particularly flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, predominantly in northern Europe, the United States, and Canada, ...

architectural style. Its exterior featured thick brick walls finished with white paint. The first and second floor windows were of matching styles. The most striking detail was the building's tall clock tower which features featured four clock dials, a large brass bell and a statue of Lady Justice on its apex. The interior included wood floors and two hand-made spiral staircases which led to the courtroom on the second floor. County business offices were located on the first floor.New Ventilating Process. ''Lebanon Daily News'', August 23, 1895, p.1.

Blue Eyed Six Trial

In 1879, the infamous Blue Eyed Six trail was held in the Lebanon County Courthouse. For the first time in U.S. history six men were indicted for first degree murder at the same time. One was acquitted in a second trial, however, the other five were hanged. This case led to the changing of insurance regulations and law throughout the nation.Shaver, Davis. The true crime story that made Lebanon famous around the world: The Blue-Eyed Six, plotters of a murder 140 years ago. ''LebTown.com'', October 24, 2018 , Updated April 21, 2021.

Fire of 1908

On November 18, 1908, a fire caused major damage to the building as the clock tower and much of the roof and second floor were destroyed. The Lebanon County commissioners decided to renovate the building which took a few years to complete. A new clock tower was constructed and the second floor courtroom was rebuilt.Lebanon Court House in Ruins. ''Lebanon Daily News'', November 19, 1908, p.1.

Demolition

In 1962, the Lebanon County Courthouse was abandoned as all the county offices moved to the newly constructed Lebanon County-City Municipal Building at 400 South 8th Street. The courthouse building was offered for sale, but sat vacant and unmaintained for three years. It was finally determined to be beyond-economic-repair and scheduled for demolition. Despite many public protests it was demolished in 1965 after standing for 148 years.Disappearing Landmark. ''Lebanon Daily News'', August 17, 1965, p.22.

Legacy

The Lebanon County Courthouse is considered to be Lebanon County's most iconic landmark. Many people still remember the building as one of the area's most historic buildings.

References

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External links

Lebanon County Historical Society.

Why We Demolish.
Courthouses Demolished buildings and structures in Pennsylvania Lebanon County, Pennsylvania Buildings and structures demolished in 1965 Buildings and structures completed in 1818