Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

The original wing of the Greek Revival courthouse was built in 1856-57 with private funds pledged
during the movement to encourage the division of Union into Union and Snyder counties and the
election of a new county seat. Lewis Palmer was the designer and Henry Noll was the head carpenter.
The Greek Revival style, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek temples, is bold, formal and
simple. Popular throughout the 19th century, the Greek Revival style is well suited for churches,
schools, government buildings, and houses. Note the corner pilasters (flattened columns that stand
out in relief from the wall); imposing columns with Ionic capitals; and the classical triangular
pediment with Greek dentils above the capitals. A fine example of a cupola, with recently restored
copper roof, houses the bell donated by Simon Cameron, Secretary of War in President Lincoln’s
cabinet. The new complementary addition was to the Union County courthouse was completed in 1973.