Sussex County Courthouse Cupola Restoration

The Sussex County Courthouse, located in Georgetown, Delaware, holds deep historical and civic significance as the seat of justice and symbolic heart of Sussex County. Situated along the town’s iconic circle, it also serves as the focal point of one of Georgetown’s most cherished traditions—Returns Day.

The courthouse itself was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect William Strickland and constructed between 1837 and 1840. The two-story brick structure originally featured a modest entrance tower and undersized cupola, which was enlarged in 1914 to include a distinctive clock tower, a more prominent cupola, and a bell that has echoed through the town square for over a century. Over the years, the courthouse has undergone multiple additions and renovations, the most recent of which focused on preserving its striking and historically significant cupola.

Standing 46 feet tall form the base to the top of the weathervane and nearly 16 feet wide, perched atop the clock tower some 60 feet above the ground, the cupola presented significant logistical challenges for removal and restoration. After months of meticulous planning, Bathon Builder’s working with Active Crane safely detached it from its base and carefully lowered it to the ground. A temporary roof was installed in its place while restoration work commenced. Throughout the process, special attention was given to maintaining the cupola’s original appearance, with all materials and detailing carefully selected to match its historic design. Bathon Builder’s carpenters carefully replicated and replaced the deteriorated ornamental trim, replaced the windows, and reinforced the internal framework with modern bracing to ensure structural integrity for generations to come. Once repainted and repaired, the cupola was hoisted back into position and the surrounding roof was reconstructed using historically appropriate lead and copper panels.

This extensive restoration ensures that the cupola—and the courthouse it crowns—will remain a proud focal point of the historic county seat for the coming years, preserving both the architectural legacy and civic spirit of Sussex County.

Bay to Bay News features the Sussex County Courthouse Cupola.

Sussex County Courthouse cupola grounded for restoration | Bay to Bay News