| The beautiful York County Courthouse is
easily one of downtown York’s most notable structures. Its
three Florentine domes can be seen from miles away. The original
building was constructed in 1898, while the east and west wings
were added in 1957. This building was the third York County
Courthouse. A replica of the first courthouse—known as the
Colonial Courthouse—is located on West Market Street along the
banks of the Codorus Creek. The second courthouse was constructed in
1838; of note, however, is the reuse of the granite columns from
the second courthouse to the current structure. These towering
columns are of the Ionic Order of Greek architecture. The
building is primarily designed in the Neoclassicism (a.k.a.,
Classical Revival) Style, noted for the use of a colossal portico. The domes were inspired by the Florence Cathedral
(Renaissance Revival), while the main structure and wings also
incorporate some ornate features of Beax Arts
Classicism. The
three Florentine domes have a number of notable features,
including both Corinthian and rectangular
pilasters, sculptured
leaf roof elements, window pediments, dentil course, and—in
the main cupola—a bell.
This building is a study in the Beaux Arts period of
architecture, which was also known as the American Renaissance.
The three styles that constitute this period—Neoclassicism,
Renaissance Revival, and Beaux Arts Classicism—are all present
in the York County Courthouse.
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© 2002 by Scott D. Butcher
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