Old Court House Civil War Museum
The Old Court House Civil War Museum is a Blue Star Museum year round!!! ACTIVE DUTY service members and up to 5 members of their family can get in to see the museum for FREE. It's the museum's way of thanking them for their service! The program runs all year round because our service members serve all year round!
The Old Court House Civil War Museum is a historic building with graffiti from both Northern and Southern soldiers which also houses a nationally recognized collection of over 3,000 Civil War artifacts. Situated on the Loudoun Street Walking Mall in Old Town Winchester, Virginia, this Georgian style court house was used as a hospital, barracks and prison by both sides during the War.
History
- The Old Court House was built in 1840 to serve the citizens of Winchester and Frederick County. It was constructed on the site of the 1741 courthouse which was the first courthouse beyond the Blue Ridge mountains.
- During the War Between the States the building served as a hospital and prison. The City of Winchester changed hands over 70 times during the War.
- The Frederick-Winchester Judicial Center opened in 1984 and all judicial functions moved out of the courthouse. It was used for Frederick County meetings and offices until 1995.
- In 1996 the Committee appointed by Frederick County strongly recommended placing a Civil War Museum in the courthouse.
- Frederick County completed extensive renovation of the courthouse in 2003. Leading the project were Reader-Swartz Architects & Lantz Construction, who received an award for the historic renovation.
- May 24, 2003 the Old Court House Civil War Museum opened with a reenactment of Jackson's march after 1st Winchester.
- Today, the Old Court House Civil War Museum houses a nationally recognized collection and provides tours of the building. It is opened year round.
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