Exeter Town Hall
At the corner of Front and Water Streets, Exeter Town Hall has been a center of public life since 1855. Architect Arthur Gilman designed the red-brick building to accommodate town meetings, court proceedings, and community gatherings. Its prominent location and substantial architecture reflected the importance of these responsibilities within a growing New England town.
The building’s white columned entrance, tall arched windows, and roof-top cupola give it a distinctive presence. Gilman, a descendant of one of Exeter’s founding families, created a civic building whose appearance conveyed permanence and public purpose. Its combination of town hall and county courthouse brought local government and judicial business beneath the same roof.
Lady Justice stands above the cupola, recalling the building’s original courthouse function. The statue formed part of Gilman’s design when the hall was constructed. Positioned high above the streets, the figure made the administration of justice a visible part of the town center.
Exposure to New England weather has required repairs and replacement over the years. The original statue was lowered for repairs following a storm in 1917. After Hurricane Bob severely damaged it in August 1991, a replacement matching its appearance was installed in July 1992, maintaining the familiar silhouette above the building.
Beyond government and court business, the hall has provided a place for public expression and shared activity. Its main gathering space continues to accommodate meetings, plays, and other events. That continuing use connects the building with its nineteenth-century purpose: a place where residents come together to discuss concerns, conduct business, and participate in the life of Exeter.
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