An act of the legislature of Upper Canada in 1831 named Prince Edward County as a separate judicial district. Land for a court house in Picton was given by the Rev. William Macaulay and construction began late in 1832. Two years later, in this fine structure, built in the Greek Revival style, the first courts of quarter session of the new district were held. John A. Macdonald, later a "Father of Confederation" and Canada's first prime minister, practised law in its court room and successfully defended himself against an indictment for assault occasioned by a practical joke. Additions were made in 1861, but its main block is one of the province's oldest remaining public buildings.

Location

On the grounds of the county court house, Union Street, Picton

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• Politics and law