Androscoggin County Courthouse and Jail, Historic building in Auburn, Maine
The Androscoggin County Courthouse and Jail is a large brick building in downtown Auburn featuring Renaissance Revival architecture with a distinctive octagonal tower and cupola. The main structure has two stories with tall windows and a formal entrance, while additions from the early and late twentieth century blend seamlessly with the original design.
The building was constructed in 1857 following a significant local debate about the county seat location, designed to affirm Auburn's standing as a regional center. Architect Gridley James Fox Bryant from Boston created a structure that conveyed stability and authority, which was expanded multiple times throughout the twentieth century to accommodate growing needs.
The building takes its name from the county it serves, reflecting Auburn's role as an administrative hub. It remains a gathering point where residents and visitors naturally pass through, making it a living part of the town's daily rhythm.
The building is centrally located in Auburn near shops and other public buildings, making it easy to find. The site is open to the public, and a small local history museum on the third floor offers insight into the area's past through documents and artifacts.
The building was designed by a renowned Boston architect and seamlessly blends twentieth-century additions with the original structure, creating a unified appearance despite being expanded twice. The third floor was added later to house a small history museum operated by the local historical society.
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