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First Columbia County Courthouse

Claverack, US

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 courtho

use 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.

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