The Old Court House, ca. 1848-49

Having outgrown, in somewhat rapid succession, all the previous structures that had either been re-purposed, rented or constructed to handle the business of the fledgling county, a commission was created in 1844 to plan and prepare for a newer, grander courthouse.  One of the commissioners, Horace Pease, had a particular affinity for Greek architecture and submitted his own drawings of a building based on the Thesium of Athens, an original Greek temple.  Architect Howard Daniels of Cincinnati adapted Pease’s concept, incorporating Roman arches, domes and other forms to create a structure that has been nationally recognized as one of America’s finest examples of Greek Revival Architecture. The construction contract was awarded to John W. Carey in 1845. A few years later, at a cost totaling nearly $100,000, the new courthouse was dedicated on April 12, 1850. Featured here is the earliest known photograph of Dayton, taken in 1848 or 1849, showing the courthouse prior to its completion. The daguerreotype is part of Dayton History’s Image Collection.

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