National Register Listing

Court Street Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Broome County Courthouse;Binghamton City Hall

Roughly bounded by the Chenango River, Carroll, Henry, and Hawley Sts., Binghamton, NY
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

In the mid-19th century, New York City was the largest slaveholding city in the United States, and the largest slave market was located on Wall Street.
New York random facts
Broome County, NY, located in the southern tier of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Iroquois people, including the Susquehannock and Mohawk tribes. European explorers, including Henry Hudson and Samuel Harpended, began to arrive in the region in the early 17th century.

In 1806, Broome County was officially established and named after John Broome, who was then the lieutenant governor of New York. The county experienced rapid growth and development in the 19th century, thanks to the expansion of the Erie Canal, which connected the area to the Great Lakes and fueled economic prosperity. The county became a hub for transportation and industry, attracting entrepreneurs and immigrants.

During the American Civil War, Broome County contributed troops to the Union Army and played a role in the Underground Railroad, assisting enslaved individuals in their journey to freedom in Canada. After the war, the county continued to thrive, with the growth of manufacturing, agriculture, and education.

In the 20th century, Broome County faced its share of challenges. The Great Depression hit the area hard, leading to unemployment and economic hardship. However, the county rebounded during World War II, as local factories shifted production to support the war effort. The county also became known for its aviation industry, with companies like Link Aviation and Universal Instruments making a significant impact.

Today, Broome County is a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The area is home to Binghamton University, which has become a leading educational institution, as well as numerous cultural and recreational attractions. Broome County retains its role as a transportation hub, with an airport, highways, and railway routes connecting it to the rest of New York State and beyond.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Broome County, New York.

  • 1779 - Broome County is settled by European Americans after the Sullivan Expedition.
  • 1806 - Broome County is formed from parts of Tioga and Ulster counties.
  • 1812 - The Chenango Canal is completed, connecting the Susquehanna River to the Erie Canal.
  • 1848 - The Binghamton Railroad is constructed, linking the county to the rest of New York.
  • 1880 - Binghamton becomes a center for the cigar-making industry.
  • 1913 - The Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, known as the "Dome," is built in Binghamton.
  • 1947 - Endicott Johnson, a major shoe manufacturing company, closes its last factory in Binghamton.
  • 1970 - IBM opens a large plant in the Town of Union, becoming a major employer in the county.
  • 2006 - Binghamton University, part of the State University of New York system, expands with new facilities.