Tryon County Courthouse
Revolutionary War Heritage Trail
This is the only colonial period courthouse still in use in New York State. Tryon County was formed in March 1772 after much lobbying by Sir William Johnson. He donated most of the money needed to build a new courthouse designed by Samuel Fuller of Schenectady, the architect for Johnson Hall.
Four of the first judges in the King's Court were Sir William's Masonic brothers in St. Patrick's Lodge. Those four - John Butler, Guy Johnson, Johnson, and Daniel Claus - remained loyal to Britain while three other judges (Peter Conye, John Wells and Jelles Fonda) supported the American cause.
In 1777 Walter Butler, John's oldest son, a lawyer in Johnstown, was arrested for trying to recruit locals to the British cause after the Battle of Oriskany. General Benedict Arnold brought him to trial in this courthouse. Col. Marinus Willet presided and Walter Butler was convicted as a traitor and spy. He later escaped to Canada and only returned to this area as part of British military raids.
Marker is on North William Street (New York Route 29) near West Main Street (New York Route 67), on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
