The Herkimer County Courthouse on North Main Street in Herkimer, New York, is one of the most historically significant courthouses in upstate New York. Built in 1873, it has witnessed trials that made national headlines.
The Chester Gillette Murder Trial
In 1906, Chester Gillette was tried here for the murder of Grace Brown, whom he drowned in Big Moose Lake during a trip to the Adirondacks. The case inspired Theodore Dreiser’s “An American Tragedy” and the film “A Place in the Sun.” Gillette was executed in 1908.
Architectural Heritage
Designed in Romanesque Revival style with distinctive stonework and a prominent clock tower. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The Gillette trial courtroom is still intact.
A Living Courthouse
Unlike many historic courthouses converted to museums, Herkimer remains an active judicial facility. Justice is still administered within the same walls where the Gillette trial took place over a century ago.
Visiting
Located at 320 North Main Street in Herkimer. The Herkimer County Historical Society occasionally offers guided tours including the historic courtroom.
CONTACT US
For more information or to visit us, here are our branch addresses:
- Branch 1: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Branch 2: Sobrecary Street (In front of Velox Gas Station), Tagum City, Davao Del Norte
- Email: gracezelguerra22@gmail.com
- Phone: 09460480491
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PH Time)
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