1841 Goshen Courthouse

The 1841 Goshen Courthouse is a two-story building with symmetrical columns and classical pediments that define the center of Orange County's administrative district along Main Street. The white wooden facade displays typical Greek Revival features with evenly spaced windows and doors arranged in formal proportions.

The building was constructed in 1841 following designs by architect Thornton M. Niven, who modeled his approach on a similar courthouse he had designed in Newburgh. Construction proceeded after legislative approval and the structure served judicial purposes for over a century.

The name refers to its role as the county's judicial center when it was built. The building's prominent location on Main Street made it a symbol of law and order in the community.

The building is not regularly open to the general public since it houses offices of the Orange County Department of Consumer Affairs. You can view and appreciate the exterior facade, its columned front, and architectural proportions from Main Street without needing an appointment.

During construction in the 1840s, human remains were discovered on site, which local stories claim belonged to a figure from the Revolutionary War period. According to local lore, the skull was incorporated into the masonry above the entrance, giving the structure an unusual historical connection.

Location: Goshen

Inception: 1841

Architects: Thornton M. Niven

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Part of: Church Park Historic District

GPS coordinates: 41.40250,-74.32222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20