In
1818, Gustav Von Ohlafen constructed Belize’s first
Supreme Court Building reminiscent of the colonial architecture
of the time. Built entirely of wood, the building succumbed
to a fire that erupted on August 17, 1918. In a determined
effort to subdue the raging flames, Hart Bennett, the governor
presiding at the time was fatally injured by a fallen flagpole
and passed away just a couple days later. In 1923, while
on commission for the construction of the Paslow Building,
the Jefferson Construction Company from New Orleans was
given the authority to rebuild the Supreme Court Building.
Made this time from concrete, construction took place on
the very same spot the building was located and replicated
the colonial vernacular of the wooden structure with minor
alterations to the original design. By 1926, reconstruction
was complete and the Supreme Court Building was again ready
for business. Today, almost a century later, this historical
landmark stands perfectly intact, still functioning as Belize’s
Supreme Court. Located on Regent Street, across from the
Battlefield Park and in the center of commercial activity
of the city, visitors can observe the building while passing
through.
Places nearby: 
Interests:
