First Columbia County Courthouse
First Columbia County Courthouse, Federal-style courthouse in Claverack, United States.
The First Columbia County Courthouse is a two-story brick building with symmetrical design and fluted columns framing the entrance portico beneath a metal-clad gabled roof. The structure sits on a spacious lot along NY 23B and has been adapted into residential apartments while keeping its original exterior intact.
Built in 1786 by mason William Ludlow, this structure served as the judicial center of Columbia County in its early years. The county seat relocated to Hudson two decades later, ending the building's role as the primary courthouse.
The courthouse hosted a significant libel trial where the future president Martin Van Buren argued a case that shaped early American legal thinking. This event made the building a landmark of judicial importance in the young nation.
The building sits along NY 23B and is easy to spot from the road, though it now functions as a private residence. You can see and photograph the exterior, but the interior is not open to the public for visits.
The building blends Federal architecture from its original 1786 construction with Greek Revival features added during 19th-century renovations. This layering of different styles shows how the structure evolved as architectural tastes changed over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer House and Mill Complex
2.6 km
Oliver Bronson House
4.2 km
Harriet Phillips Bungalow
755 m
Turtle House
4.7 km
William Henry Ludlow House
370 m
Shaw Bridge
1.4 km
Van Rensselaer Lower Manor House
1.4 km
Elisha Williams House
3.6 km
George Felpel House
816 m
Claverack Free Library
576 m
Cornelius S. Muller House
290 m
Stephen Hogeboom House
66 m
Trinity Episcopal Church
390 m
Stephen Miller House
1.5 km
William W. Van Ness House
2.3 km
Houses at 37–47 North Fifth Street
4.7 km
Harmon Miller House
997 m
Henry A. and Evanlina Dubois House
3.7 km
Dr. Abram Jordan House
1.5 km
Stephen Storm House
2.3 km
Rev. Dr. Elbert S. Porter House
719 m
Jacob P. Mesick House
1.5 km
Ludlow-Van Rensselaer House
442 m
Rossman-Prospect Avenue Historic District
3.9 km
Columbia Turnpike-West Tollhouse
2.3 km
FASNY Museum of Firefighting
4.8 km
Muldor-Miller House
124 m
Jan Van Hoesen House
3.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes