Colusa County Courthouse facts for kids
The Colusa County Courthouse is a very old and important building in Colusa, California. It was built in 1861. This courthouse is designed in the Greek Revival style. It is the oldest courthouse still standing in the Sacramento Valley.
In its early days, the courthouse was more than just a place for legal matters. It was also a busy center for community events. People gathered there for cultural, social, and even religious activities. The courthouse is a special historical site. It became California Historical Landmark #890 in 1976. This means it is officially recognized as an important part of California's history.
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Discover the Courthouse's Design
The Colusa County Courthouse was built using bricks. Later, its outside was covered with plaster. The building cost about $21,000 to construct. That was a lot of money back then!
What's on the Outside?
Above the main front door, you can see a golden bear statue. This bear sits on top of four tall columns. Each column is 30 feet high.
Originally, the courthouse had a big dome on its roof. However, this dome was removed not long after the building was finished. It had a problem: it leaked water! Today, the building has a different top structure. It is called a cupola, and it holds a bell.
A Special Statue of George Washington
Inside the courthouse, there is a statue of George Washington. This statue was given to Colusa County after the 1860 election.
Why Did Colusa County Get a Statue?
People in Colusa County were very generous. They donated a lot of money to help build the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. In fact, Colusa County voters gave more money per person than any other county in California. The statue was a special gift to thank them for their amazing support.