As reported in the Buffalo Courier, 1861: "In Elmira, there rises in beauty and grandeur one of the most magnificent edifices in the State. It will reflect honor on the ermine, the county and its architect and builder. With lofty tower it looks as majestic as those castles when barons of old issued forth in defence of injured lady love. We allude to the new Court House; H.N. White architect, and David Wilcox builder." The four county office buildings in the Courthouse Complex were erected over a period of sixty-three years. They are indicative of the county's development and are an important urban grouping of governmental buildings. The central structure, the courthouse, is an important example of the work of architect Horatio Nelson White, who designed several other couthouses in New York State.