Because Batavia in Genesee County emerged as the center for the recording of legal documents in Western New York, it is not surprising that the bench and bar of Western New York originates here. Accordingly, legal activity in Western New York has long centered in the courthouse in Batavia. The county legislature meets regularly on the third floor of the “Old Courthouse,” located at 7 Main Street. This stone building, constructed in 1841, is at the center of downtown Batavia, at the junction of Main and Ellicott Streets. The “Old Courthouse” replaced an earlier structure, first built in 1802. This frame building, Ellicott Hall, faced Court Street. It was named for Joseph Ellicott, the Holland Land Company’s land agent. A fire destroyed this frame building early in 1818.
The “Old Courthouse” is an example of Greek revival architecture, and was the product of local artisans using materials found in Genesee County. A two-tiered cupola housing a brass bell sits on top of the building. This antebellum building is the current home not only of the County Legislature, but also of the County Manager, the Assistant County Manager, and the County Attorney. It has been on the National Register of Historic Landmarks since 1972. In 1996, ground was broken for a new courthouse. This produced the Genesee County Courts Facilities Building, located at 1 West Main Street in Batavia. This complex includes a variety of courts serving different judicial functions. It is located at the crossroads between a Native American trail and the Big Bend of Tonawanda. This was called the “Great Hearing Place” by Native Americans long inhabiting this part of Western New York.
County Legal History selected by Dr. Michael Eula, Author, History of Genesee County Bench and Bar; County Historian, Genesee County
The Genesee County Courthouses are part of New York State’s 8th Judicial District. The county seat for Genesee County is in the City of Batavia, and its legislative body is housed on the third floor of what is referred to as the “Old Courthouse” located at 7 Main Street. This building, comprised of stone, was constructed in 1841.
This building is situated at the junction of Main and Ellicott Streets in downtown Batavia. The “Old Courthouse” replaced an even earlier structure, first built in 1802. This frame building faced Court Street and came to be called Ellicott Hall. This original courthouse was named for Joseph Ellicott, who, as we have seen, worked as an agent for the Holland Land Company. This frame structure was destroyed by fire on January 5, 1918.
The “Old Courthouse” is a striking example of Greek revival architecture. It was the product of local artisans using materials found locally. A two-tiered cupola housing a brass bell tops it. This antebellum courthouse is the current home to not only the County Legislature but also to the County Manager, the Assistant County Manager, and the County Attorney. Since 1973, the “Old Courthouse” has been on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
In 1996, ground was broken for a new courthouse. This gave rise to the Genesee County Courts Facilities Building, located at 1 West Main Street in Batavia. This complex includes a variety of courts serving different judicial functions. It is located in a fitting place—at the crossroads between a Native American trail and the Big Bend of Tonawanda. This is appropriate because it is the location referred to as the “Great Hearing Place” by Native Americans, who had long inhabited this part of western New York.