Durlacher House
a.k.a. 48AB1500
501 S 5th St, Laramie, WYThe Barbour County Courthouse is significant because it is an especially good example of the Romanesque Revival style perfected by architect Henry H. Richardson (1838-1886) in late nineteenth-century America. The monumental building is the major focal point in the city of Philippi, the county seat of Barbour, and dominates the courthouse square, the only public green space in the downtown commercial area. The architectural value of the building is further the only major stone building in Barbour County and the only public building designed in the Romanesque style. Though historical incidents or events of national or state importance are not associated with this building, its local historical significance is measured by the daily activities of recording deeds, probating wills, assessing property values, collecting taxes, and enforcing the laws that have affected the lives of the people of Philippi and Barbour County for three-quarters of a century. The Barbour County Courthouse is significant therefore as a storehouse of information on the history of the county's socio-economic development.
Barbour County was formed from the territories of Harrison, Lewis, and Randolph counties by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1843. It was named for Phillip P. Barbour, a distinguished politician and jurist, and a member of a noted Virginia family. The land then after called the Courthouse Square was deeded to the new county and a Greek Revival-style courthouse was ordered. It stood until the turn of the century when requirements of space and economy necessitated its removal for replacement. The open space around the newly planned building was retained, however, insuring the evolution of the town center around the county's chief symbol of government.
Architect J. Charles Fulton of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was hired by the county court to prepare plans for the new courthouse. His drawings and specifications were not apparently applied to the project by contractor J. P. Conn until 1903 because delays, in part a result of a petition requesting the removal of the county seat to Belington, impaired the operations of the county court.
J. Charles Fulton was an architect of local significance who filled a professional need in the region of southwestern Pennsylvania and north-central West Virginia. The West Virginia cities of Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg were only beginning to attract resident professional architects and their activity did not become well established before the end of the first decade of the twentieth century. Fulton's talent, therefore, commanded attention in this area as evidenced by his commission to design the Randolph County Courthouse built at Elkins in 1902-04.
Local significance of the building:
Barbour County was formed from the territories of Harrison, Lewis, and Randolph counties by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1843. It was named for Phillip P. Barbour, a distinguished politician and jurist, and a member of a noted Virginia family. The land then after called the Courthouse Square was deeded to the new county and a Greek Revival-style courthouse was ordered. It stood until the turn of the century when requirements of space and economy necessitated its removal for replacement. The open space around the newly planned building was retained, however, insuring the evolution of the town center around the county's chief symbol of government.
Architect J. Charles Fulton of Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, was hired by the county court to prepare plans for the new courthouse. His drawings and specifications were not apparently applied to the project by contractor J. P. Conn until 1903 because delays, in part a result of a petition requesting the removal of the county seat to Belington, impaired the operations of the county court.
J. Charles Fulton was an architect of local significance who filled a professional need in the region of southwestern Pennsylvania and north-central West Virginia. The West Virginia cities of Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg were only beginning to attract resident professional architects and their activity did not become well established before the end of the first decade of the twentieth century. Fulton's talent, therefore, commanded attention in this area as evidenced by his commission to design the Randolph County Courthouse built at Elkins in 1902-04.
Community Planning And Development
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
About National Register Listings
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.
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Wyoming was the site of the world's first national park, Yellowstone National Park, which was established in 1872. The park is located primarily in Wyoming, with small portions in Montana and Idaho. It is famous for its geothermal features, including Old Faithful geyser, and its diverse wildlife.
About Albany County
Albany County Timeline
Albany County in Wyoming has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, who established their presence in the area long before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes relied on the region's abundant wildlife and water resources for sustenance and trade.
The first European explorers to venture into the area were members of the French Canadian fur trade, who arrived in the early 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take shape in Albany County. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass region attracted miners and fortune-seekers, leading to an influx of settlers into the area.
The establishment of the Overland Trail, a major route for westward migration, further contributed to the growth of Albany County. The county's main town, Laramie, was founded in 1868 as a crucial stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie quickly developed into a vibrant community with the construction of schools, businesses, and government institutions.
Albany County's history also includes its role in the expansion of higher education in Wyoming. The University of Wyoming, founded in Laramie in 1886, became the state's first institution of higher learning. Today, the university remains a prominent institution and contributes significantly to the county's cultural and economic development.
Over the years, Albany County has evolved from its early mining and railroad roots into a diverse and thriving community. With its natural beauty, rich history, and robust economy, the county continues to attract residents and visitors alike to experience its unique culture and explore the great outdoors.
The first European explorers to venture into the area were members of the French Canadian fur trade, who arrived in the early 19th century. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlement began to take shape in Albany County. The discovery of gold in the nearby South Pass region attracted miners and fortune-seekers, leading to an influx of settlers into the area.
The establishment of the Overland Trail, a major route for westward migration, further contributed to the growth of Albany County. The county's main town, Laramie, was founded in 1868 as a crucial stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. Laramie quickly developed into a vibrant community with the construction of schools, businesses, and government institutions.
Albany County's history also includes its role in the expansion of higher education in Wyoming. The University of Wyoming, founded in Laramie in 1886, became the state's first institution of higher learning. Today, the university remains a prominent institution and contributes significantly to the county's cultural and economic development.
Over the years, Albany County has evolved from its early mining and railroad roots into a diverse and thriving community. With its natural beauty, rich history, and robust economy, the county continues to attract residents and visitors alike to experience its unique culture and explore the great outdoors.
Albany County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Albany County, Wyoming.
- 1868 - Albany County was established on December 16, 1868, by the Dakota Legislature.
- 1869 - Laramie, the county seat of Albany County, was founded on May 4, 1869.
- 1870 - The University of Wyoming, the state's only four-year public university, was established in Laramie.
- 1872 - The Union Pacific Railroad reached Laramie, providing increased transportation and commerce opportunities for Albany County.
- 1875 - Territorial reform created Wyoming Territory, with Albany County as one of its original five counties.
- 1886 - The Wyoming Territorial Prison was opened in Laramie, serving as a territorial penitentiary.
- 1891 - The Wyoming Statehood Act was signed, making Wyoming the 44th state of the United States with Albany County as one of its counties.
- 1905 - The University of Wyoming moved to its current campus location in Laramie.
- 1921 - The Grand Encampment Museum was established to preserve the history and heritage of the mining and ranching communities in the area.
- 1930 - Medicine Bow National Forest was established, providing recreational opportunities and protecting natural resources in Albany County.
- 1962 - The Albany County Courthouse, an iconic Laramie landmark, was completed.
- 1978 - The Wyoming Infrared Observatory, an astronomical observatory, was dedicated, enhancing scientific research in the region.