Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail

Courtesy of Brian Crawford

Website:
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/About/History/Courthouse-and-Jail.aspx

Location:
436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Description:

One of the most unique aspects of our history is a location that most county citizens tried to avoid.  Our most lasting and well-known symbol is the Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail complex, originally designed in 1883 by Boston architect Henry Hobson Richardson, and built between 1884-1888.

These internationally recognized historic structures reflect Hobson's stature as one the greatest architects in the history of American architecture, and continue to draw visitors from throughout the world who marvel at the buildings' simple style, dignity and strength.

The current courthouse is actually the third in the history of Allegheny County. The first permanent Pittsburgh Courthouse was built in the area now known as Market Square. It was replaced in 1841 by a grand building in the Greek Revival style. This courthouse was built on Grant's Hill, on the site of the present courthouse.

On May 7, 1882, a fire broke out in the rotunda of the second Allegheny County Courthouse, destroying the building. Soon after, county commissioners sent letters to one hundred American architects, asking them to submit designs for a new Allegheny County Courthouse. On January 31, 1884, Richardson was officially chosen to design Allegheny County's new courthouse.

From Allegheny County website