Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse

The Richard C. Lee United States Courthouse is a neoclassical federal building on Church Street facing New Haven Green, distinguished by Corinthian columns and carved eagles across its outer walls. Inside, twenty monolithic Tennessee marble columns rise in the courtroom lobby alongside original bronze screens and ornate ceiling details.

The structure was built between 1913 and 1919 as a federal courthouse for the city. During the 1960s, demolition threatened the building, but federal judges and local preservationists worked to save it from destruction.

The building displays inscriptions from an early sermon by Reverend John Davenport, linking it to the founding of New Haven. These words remain visible inside and connect visitors to the city's earliest days.

Visitors can enter on weekdays, and everyone must pass through security screening before going inside. Appropriate dress is expected, and it helps to check visitor guidelines before your visit.

The Tennessee marble columns in the courtroom were transported and installed as single solid blocks. This approach to sourcing and placing such massive marble pieces was uncommon for courthouse construction in that era.

Location: New Haven

Architects: Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 41.30660,-72.92480

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44