By: Michelle Jones, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
SALEM, N.J. – Salem County Courthouse is the oldest actively used courthouse in the state of New Jersey and the second oldest active courthouse in the United States of America.
Built in 1735, this building is known for its locally manufactured brick and quality brickwork. It is also known for its involvement in writing a petition of colonial complaints that was sent to King George III and supported the Boston Tea Party in 1774.
One of the most notorious accounts involving the court was when most notable Judge William Hancock, who presided over the court, was “unintentionally” killed in a raid by British soldiers during the Revolutionary War at Hancock’s Bridge. Following his murder, trials of treason commenced for loyalists who were accused of aiding and abetting the British soldiers in the attack.
This building acted as the courthouse for all of Salem County from 1735 to 1969, a total of 234 years. In 1969 a new larger building was constructed to accommodate the county courts while the original building remained in use to satisfy city disputes. The court is still in use to this day.
The architectural design of this building follows traditional colonial characteristics. John E. Deacon, in an article from American Courthouses, said “the building is a two story dark red colored brick and wood structure. The south front has a one story portico supported by four Doric columns. The first story windows are arched and the roof rises to an octagonal wood cupola with a steep roof. The building was expanded in 1817 and in 1908 the south portico was constructed.”
Located in the center of town, this building speaks to days gone by and to this day holds to the traditional values of the American justice system. When one enters through the courthouse doors, the spectator is immediately transported back in time to colonial America. The large arched windows allow light to flood into the traditional colonial courthouse donned in deep cherry wood furniture, brightly painted walls, and brass candelabra light fixtures.
This was not the first courthouse in the county however. According to local historical markers, the original Salem County Courthouse and Jail was a log cabin located by the water heading toward Mannington. This should not be confused with the cabin currently situated on Market Street by the railroad tracks which is simply a replica.
According to the official municipal court website, the Salem City Court Office is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but is closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Court is held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
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