Centre Square, 1815

Change came again to the “Square” in 1815 with the expansion of the first courthouse. This “expansion” didn’t change the building footprint at all, but allowed for more usable space on the second floor. Cross-gables were added on the north and south of the building, allowing more headroom on the second floor. In addition to the new gables, the building also received a large new cupola, allowing for installation of a town clock with four faces. From existing drawings, it appears that the cupola had a lookout and bell, which would further classify it as a belfry. (In common usage, many of us would simply refer to it as a clock tower.)

This project created the appearance of a more substantial building in the town square. By now there were three structures in Centre Square: the courthouse, State House, and a market shed, the east end of which is pictured in this 1830 William Wagner view. The graphic depicts the buildings as viewed from the southwestern quadrant of the Square. The red brick building to the right of the State House (on the southeast quadrant) is the Golden Swan Tavern, which still stands today. Also note the large half-round window in the courthouse gable as well as the prominent pedimented entrance, which is believed to have been added in the 1790s.