Iron County Courthouse (Michigan) facts for kids
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Iron County Courthouse
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | W end of Superior Ave., Crystal Falls, Michigan |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1890 |
| Built by | Louis A. Webber |
| Architect | J.C. Clancey |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000948 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1975 |
The Iron County Courthouse is an important government building located in Crystal Falls, Michigan. It's where many official decisions for Iron County are made. This historic building was recognized as a special place in 1975 when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974.
History of the Courthouse
Iron County was created in 1885. It was separated from Marquette County. At first, Iron River was chosen as the county seat. This meant it was the main town where county government offices would be.
However, there was a big disagreement. People from the east side of the county, especially Crystal Falls, wanted the county seat there. People from the west side, around Iron River, wanted it to stay. It was a very strong argument! At one point, records from the temporary courthouse in Iron River were even secretly taken by people from Crystal Falls.
To solve the problem, everyone in the county voted. In 1888, Crystal Falls won by only five votes. The question was put to a vote again in 1889. This time, Crystal Falls won by almost 100 votes. This finally settled where the county seat would be.
Money was raised to build the courthouse. About $30,000 was set aside. An architect named J. C. Clancy from Antigo, Wisconsin was hired to design the building. Construction started in 1890 and finished in 1892. Louis A. Webber from Menasha, Wisconsin was the first builder. He bid $26,470 for the job.
However, Webber could not finish the work. The county then hired another contractor to complete the courthouse. This made the total cost about $40,000.
Later, in 1910, a clocktower was added. Statues representing Law, Mercy, and Justice were also put on the building. In 1955, a new section with offices was added. Another new section was built in 2003-2004. During this project, the original brickwork of the courthouse was carefully cleaned and repaired.
What the Courthouse Looks Like
The Iron County Courthouse is a 2-1/2 story building. It sits on top of a hill, looking over the main street of Crystal Falls. It is built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style often uses heavy stone and arches.
The building has reddish-brown brick walls. It also has stone decorations. The base of the building is made of rough stone. On the front, one corner has a round tower with a pointed roof. The other corner has a square wooden tower. This tower has a bell tower on top with a six-sided roof.
The main entrance is a large archway made of rough granite. You walk up a stairway to reach it. Above this archway are three impressive zinc statues. They are 17 feet tall and represent Law, Mercy, and Justice.
Inside, there is a beautiful circuit courtroom. It has shiny oak wood. The ceiling is shaped like an octagon. It is covered with fancy pressed metal designs. A large chandelier hangs in the center. It has designs of muses and dragons.
Images for kids
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The courthouse around 1911.
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Justicia del Condado de Iron (Míchigan) para niños
