The Old Courthouse - Exterior Photos

After the original courthouse was completed in 1824, it looked much different than the building that serves as the main entrance does in the year 2000.  This photo, taken in the late 1800's shows the more simple design with an understated entrance to the building.  The iron fencing that still surrounds the courtyard today can be seen behind the gentleman whose identity is not known.  The surrounding neighborhood at this time was still largely residential - as can be seen by the wooden structure adjacent to the courthouse.  It was not until 1892-94 that the side pavilions, entrance tower and cupola were added and the only courtroom was moved to the second floor. The Courtroom on the second floor of the 1824 building has been restored and today stands as a functional meeting space that reminds us of Anne Arundel County's legal legacy. As expansions to the building occurred in 1923, 1925, 1939, and 1952, the building grew to include multiple courtrooms and administrative offices for court operations. The aerial view below shows the court complex stretching from the 1824 building at the top on Church Circle, to the addition along South Street housing courtrooms and offices.   The building located at the end of South Street in the lower right hand corner of the photo below housed the Office of the State's Attorney, Orphans Court and Register of Wills offices.  This entire footprint, was utilized to construct the new courthouse finished in 2000.

 

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