Hackensack County Courthouse | Hackensack

Bergen County Courthouse – Detailed Overview

1. Historical Context and Significance

The Bergen County Courthouse, located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a significant landmark both architecturally and historically. Serving as the judicial center for Bergen County since its completion in 1912, it represents the sixth courthouse to fulfill this role since Hackensack was designated the county seat in 1710. The courthouse replaced an earlier 1819 structure on the same site, symbolizing Bergen County’s growth and modernization during the early 20th century.

The building not only serves its judicial function but also stands as a testament to the era’s civic pride and the role of government institutions in reinforcing community identity. It is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the New Jersey Register of Historic Places, emphasizing its importance as a heritage site.

2. Architectural Design and Style

The Bergen County Courthouse was designed by James Riely Gordon, a prominent architect known for his expertise in courthouse designs across the United States. The courthouse exemplifies the Beaux-Arts architectural style, characterized by grandeur, symmetry, and classical details inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture and the Italian Renaissance.

Exterior Features:
The exterior is composed of Vermont marble and Arkansas limestone, materials selected for their durability and stately appearance. The façade is dominated by large, fluted Corinthian columns supporting a grand portico, giving the building a temple-like, monumental presence. Ornamental sculptural reliefs embellish the façade, adding artistic depth and symbolizing justice, law, and governance.

The Dome:
One of the courthouse’s most defining features is its massive dome, modeled after the United States Capitol. The dome is crowned by the sculpture “Enlightenment Giving Power,” symbolizing the guiding role of knowledge and justice in governance. This soaring dome not only serves as an architectural focal point but also provides natural light and a sense of openness to the interior spaces below.

3. Interior Design and Artistic Elements

The interior reflects the same level of grandeur and attention to detail as the exterior:

Marble and Bronze:
The building’s interior hallways, courtrooms, and public areas incorporate extensive use of high-quality marble and bronze detailing, which enhances the dignity and solemnity appropriate for a courthouse.

Stained Glass:
The dome's interior is decorated with stunning Tiffany stained glass panels, which diffuse natural light and create an atmosphere of reverence and calm. Additional stained glass skylights grace three main courtrooms, crafted by the renowned Lamb Studios, a famous New York-based firm noted for its exquisite stained glass artistry.

Murals:
Several courtrooms feature large-scale murals painted in the 1930s by artists affiliated with the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These murals depict themes related to justice, local history, and civic responsibility, contributing both artistic richness and cultural narrative to the courthouse environment.

4. Function and Civic Role

The courthouse continues to serve as the hub for Bergen County’s legal and administrative affairs, hosting civil, criminal, and family court proceedings. Beyond its role in the judicial system, the courthouse is a civic symbol, hosting community events and ceremonies that reinforce the rule of law and public trust.

Its commanding presence in downtown Hackensack anchors the surrounding governmental and civic district, integrating seamlessly with other historic buildings and public spaces. This helps maintain Hackensack’s identity as a center of governance and law in Bergen County.

5. Preservation and Recognition

Recognized as a landmark of architectural and historical value, the courthouse was officially added to:

The New Jersey Register of Historic Places on November 22, 1982

The National Register of Historic Places on January 11, 1983

Preservation efforts have ensured that the building’s structural integrity, artistic features, and public accessibility are maintained. This stewardship balances the need to keep the courthouse fully functional with the imperative to preserve its historic character.

6. Surrounding Context

Situated at the heart of Hackensack’s downtown, the courthouse forms part of the city’s civic core, neighbored by other government offices, law firms, and historical landmarks. Its location on Main Street allows easy access for the public, legal professionals, and law enforcement, while its architectural prominence marks it as a visual anchor in the urban fabric.

Summary

The Bergen County Courthouse in Hackensack is a striking example of early 20th-century civic architecture designed to embody principles of justice and public service. With its Beaux-Arts style, prominent dome, and richly decorated interiors, it functions both as a practical judicial center and as a monument to the county’s heritage. The courthouse continues to play an essential role in Bergen County’s legal system while preserving the cultural and architectural legacy that defines Hackensack’s historic downtown.