Cook County Courthouse (Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cook County Courthouse
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Cook County Courthouse from the south
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 411 2nd St., Grand Marais, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Kelly & Lignell |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000902 |
| Added to NRHP | May 09, 1983 |
The Cook County Courthouse is an important building in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It was built in 1911 and serves as the main place for county government. This historic building is special because it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it is recognized as a significant part of American history and culture.
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The Cook County Courthouse: A Historic Landmark
The Cook County Courthouse stands proudly in Grand Marais, Minnesota. It is a beautiful example of Classical Revival architecture. This style often uses elements from ancient Greek and Roman buildings. The courthouse has tall Ionic columns that support a decorative top part called a cornice. It sits on a hill, offering great views of Grand Marais and Lake Superior.
A Look Back in Time: Early County Business
When Cook County was first created, there wasn't a proper courthouse. County business was done in a simple trading post. This trading post was located on a narrow piece of land that stretched into Lake Superior. It was a very basic start for the county's official work.
Building the First Courthouse
The first real courthouse building was constructed in 1889. It was a two-story wooden building, about 24 feet by 30 feet in size. Later, a smaller one-story addition was built, measuring 20 feet by 32 feet. However, this first courthouse soon became too small and outdated. People felt it didn't properly represent the county's future.
A New Vision: The 1911 Courthouse
By 1910, the people of Cook County decided it was time for a new, grander courthouse. Voters approved selling special government bonds to raise money for the construction. This new building was finished in 1912. It was designed by architects Kelly & Lignell. The new courthouse was much more impressive and suitable for the growing county. It has served the community for over a century.
