District Court House and Gaol
1833
Corner of Water and Pitt across from the park
Commemoration
The central portion of this building was completed in 1833 and served as the court-house and gaol of the Eastern District. First named Lunenburgh, this district was established in 1788 by proclamation. In 1794 an Act of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada authorized the magistrates of the District Court of Quarter Session to erect a court-house and gaol at Cornwall. A two-storey frame structure was completed on this site about 1802 and, until destroyed by fire in 1826, served as the centre of local judicial and municipal administration. It was replaced by the main block of the present building which is one of the province’s oldest remaining public structures.
Background
After houses were built, community buildings such as churches and courthouses were important to the local population of emigrants. These were not only functional but symbolized the success of the people in creating civilization in what been wilderness. Hence the desire to preserve and memorialize these structures.
Access to the interior is available with guided tours.