After a twenty-year controversy in the first half of the nineteenth century, Watkins Glen was designated as the county seat for the newly formed Schuyler County. Havanna Glen (present-day Montour Falls) had previously built a county courthouse in the midst of this dispute (that structure is still standing and occupied). This complex in Watkins Glen became Schuyler County's second and permanent court house. A traditional 3-building complex it combines court house, clerk's office and jail for county seat and center of rural village. Set back from the street in a park-like setting, the Court House has historically been the location of political rallies, and served as the Start/Finish line for the Watkins Glen Grand Prix, as well as a gathering place for drivers when the race was held in the village. The complex still serves as a focal point for the community for various social activities, and is one of the few remaining active county complexes left in the State.