First Columbia County Courthouse

The First Columbia County Courthouse is located along NY 23B near the center of the hamlet of Claverack, New York, United States. It is a brick building in the Federal style constructed in 1786 and renovated in the mid-19th century.At that time Claverack was the seat of Columbia County. The courthouse was in use for 20 years until nearby Hudson replaced Claverack as the county seat. Martin Van Buren argued cases there, and Alexander Hamilton may have as well. The Harry Croswell libel case, in which a local journalist was criminally charged for his criticism of President Thomas Jefferson, was first tried here.After its days as a courthouse ended, the building remained in use as a meeting room. It has since been converted into apartments. In 1998 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.BuildingThe old courthouse is on the north side of Route 23B, at the west corner of Old Lane, across the road from the Stephen Hogeboom House, also on the Register. The neighborhood is residential, with many other 18th and 19th century houses. It sits at the front of a 1.5acre lot. There is one other building, a modern garage, and a structure, a gazebo, on the property. Both of them are of modern construction and thus do not contribute to its historic character.