Norfolk County Courthouse

When it became apparent that the old County Courthouse was out of date, the Norfolk County Commissioners ordered a new one to be built.[2] They originally were seeking a utilitarian building that would be fireproof and safe to store important documents.[2] Local boosters, however, wanted a building that aligned with the town's rapidly improving self-image.[3] The commissioners were persuaded that

something more was required... than what was barely necessary; that... the state of this County, rapidly advancing in wealth and prosperity, required a liberal and judiciously expenditure for public accommodation, and that acquiring a taste for the fine arts was intimately connected with a refinement of manners and even with moral sentiment; that a magnificent temple of Justice would inspire an elevation of mind and contribute to cherish those feelings of reverence for the administration of the laws which it is so desirable to cultivate in a free community; the as the situation was in the most handsome and conspicuous place in the town, the building should be made in accordance with the architectural spirit of the times and comporting with the dignity and taste of the citizens of the County.[2]

The land for the courthouse, across the street from the existing one, was purchased from Frances Ames for $1,200.[2][4] Ames later refused to sell the lot to the east at an asking price of $400, however.[2] Masonic ceremonies, bell ringing and cannon fire accompanied the laying of the cornerstone on July 4, 1825.[2] In a cavity made in the cornerstone, a leaden box was deposited containing

1. The newspapers of the day.
2. Webster's address on Bunker Hill.
3. An account of that battle.
4. A miniature beaver hat of the latest fashion.
5. A marble keystone with Masonic emblems.
6. Specimens of marble paper.
7. A silver plate with an inscription.
8. A piece of the Forefather's Rock.[5]

It was designed by Solomon Willard [2][6] and was dedicated on February 20, 1827.[4][2] It was a basic rectangular granite-walled structure, 48' by 98' and two stories tall,[4] with Greek-temple porticoes at either end.[6][2] Each 10' portico was supported by four Doric pillars.[4] A bell made by Paul Revere was moved from the old courthouse to the new north portico, where it was tolled to announce court sessions.[7][8]

The interior had a hall running through the center paved with brick.[9] On the eastern side were the offices of the Country Treasurer and the Clerk of Courts.[10] On the western side were the Registry of Deeds and Probate Court.[10] The courtroom was upstairs and featured an arched ceiling.[10] The high sheriff had a desk in the room.[10]

From the outside it was an attractive building, but it was not a comfortable place to work.[2] The only water was provided by a well on Court Street, and it did not have an adequate heating system.[2] One employee complained that it was "barren and destitute of every convenience, demanded for health, comfort and decency."[2] In 1846, an iron fence was installed around the perimeter.[8]

Renovations in 1854 added gas lights to the building and running water from an on-site well.[2] Six years later, in 1860, the building was fireproofed to protect county records.[2][lower-alpha 1] A group of citizens petitioned the commissioners, asking them not to make any structural changes for fear of ruining the exterior aesthetics of the building.[11] Despite this, the Commission decided to extend the north front of the building and to add wings on either side.[11][6]

The wings were ornamented with corner pilasters, and were done with sensitivity to the original design.[6] A dome was also added at that time; it would be replaced during further enlargements in the 1890s.[11][6][lower-alpha 2] Following plans developed by Gridley J. F. Bryant, the building was enlarged again between 1892 and 1895 to its present H-shaped configuration, adding wings to the southern facade that matched those added in 1863 to the north.[6] The 1863 dome was replaced at that time with the present one, and the interior of the building was given a decorative treatment with Greek motifs.[6] The Revere bell was removed and donated to the Dedham Historical Society during this renovation.[7]

The dome was renovated in 2021.