Blue Earth County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Historic Blue Earth County Courthouse
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The Blue Earth County Courthouse from the northwest
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| Location | 204 S. 5th St., Mankato, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1886–9 |
| Architect | Haley & Allen; Ring & Tobin |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Blue Earth County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001940 |
| Added to NRHP | July 28, 1980 |
The Blue Earth County Courthouse is a very important building in Mankato, Minnesota. It is where the main offices for Blue Earth County government are located. This historic building is special and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
History of the Courthouse
The courthouse you see today was finished in 1886. But it wasn't the first one! The county's very first courthouse was a small stone building. It was built in 1857 and measured about 20 by 24 feet.
A significant historical event happened at that first courthouse. In 1862, after the Sioux Uprising, trials were held there for many Dakota individuals. This was a very difficult time in history.
Why a New Building?
By the late 1800s, the county leaders felt the old buildings were not good enough. They thought the buildings made the county look "behind the times." They wanted a new, impressive building to show that Blue Earth County was growing and successful.
So, they decided to build the grand courthouse we see now.
Design of the Building
The new courthouse was designed by architects named Haley & Allen from Minneapolis. They combined two popular building styles of the time. It has a Second Empire roof and dome. It also features Italianate elements.
The stone used for the building came from a local quarry. Workers used different methods to give the stone interesting textures. The dome on top is covered with copper. At the very top of the dome, there is a statue of Lady Justice. She is a symbol of fairness and the law.
