1724 Chester Courthouse

Built in 1724 in Chester, Pennsylvania, this courthouse is the oldest public building still standing in the United States and one of the country’s earliest surviving seats of justice. It served successively as the courthouse for Chester County and Delaware County, then as Chester’s City Hall, reflecting a remarkably long civic life. The 2½-story German Colonial stone building shows Quaker influence in its paired front doors and retains distinctive interior features, including a stone-floored courtroom. Altered by additions such as a cupola and bay windows, it also remained symbolically active as a court until 1967 and still hosts an annual Law Day mock trial.

Chester, Pennsylvania · United States