Adams County Courthouse

Adams County Courthouse in Gettysburg is a red brick building standing two stories tall with a clock tower rising 70 feet at its center front. The structure displays typical Italianate architecture with three bays across its main facade.

The building was designed and constructed in 1858 by architect Stephen Decatur Button. During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, it served as both a military command post and a hospital.

The original courtroom features trompe-l'oeil frescoes painted by George Seiling in 1859, which create optical illusions of ceiling support structures. This ornamental decoration turns the space into a work of visual trickery that still surprises visitors today.

The building underwent comprehensive restoration between 1983 and 1985, which restored its original appearance. The public access allows visitors to see both the exterior architecture and interior spaces.

Behind the judge's bench sits a false door that serves no function but maintains the building's symmetrical design. This hidden architectural choice reveals how important visual balance was to the overall composition.

Location: Gettysburg

Inception: 1858

Architects: Stephen Decatur Button

Architectural style: Italianate architecture

GPS coordinates: 39.82940,-77.23250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23