Hubby and I enjoy taking road trips all across America. We love driving through small towns and checking out sites that are often off-the-beaten path. We enjoy checking out old architecture, outdoor street art, reading historical markers, visiting small antique shops, eating at small mom & pop diners, etc.
While on a road trip through Cape May County in New Jersey we stumbled upon the historic Cape May County Court House. It was built in 1850 and today its still the county seat. I can definitely see some Victorian-flair with this old court house.
Here’s the information contained on the 2-sided historical marker that is located nearby. A great source for information on this historic building.
Side #1
The Cape May County Court House was completed on this site in 1850 by local master builder/architect, Daniel Hand. Shamgar Hand, his ancestor, had settled on this same site in 1695.
Side #2
Cape May Court House has been the County seat since 1765. The County was formally created by an act of the General Assembly of the Province of West Jersey on November 12, 1692. The Cape takes its name from Dutch Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, who so named it when he sailed the local waters between 1616 and 1624. English settlers changed the spelling to May. Prior to the Europeans’ arrival, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians lived in the region.
Over the years hubby and I have photographed over 50+ small town, historic court houses and each of them look entirely different. What really astonishes me is that the majority of them are still in operation today. Some are still operating as court houses and other’s are operating as official business offices for that small town or municipality.
I too enjoy visiting historic sites. I am glad that so many communities have preserved these houses and still use them.
I like visiting historic homes and buildings too. It really makes the history of these places come alive.
My husband and I also enjoy visiting small towns and learning of the local history and cultural. We like to met locals, attend church and also find the best mom and pop shops.