Completed in 1859 to a design by Gridley James Fox Bryant, it is believed to be the oldest courthouse in regular use in the state.

[1] The Cheshire County Courthouse occupies a prominent position just off downtown Keene's Central Square, at the northwest corner of Court and Winter streets.

The entrance is at the center of the facade, fronted by a hip-roof portico supported by paired square columns on either side of a round-arch entry.

The upper floor corners are pilastered, and the central bay projects slightly, housing a large window set in a paneled recess.

The exterior of the building is virtually unaltered, and the interior is also little altered, mainly to provide modern amenities such as plumbing and electricity.