Jefferson County Courthouse (Montana) facts for kids
The Jefferson County Courthouse is a special building in Boulder, Montana. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site. This courthouse was added to the Register on August 6, 1980.
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Building a Landmark: The Courthouse Story
The idea for the Jefferson County Courthouse began in 1888. People voted to approve $40,000 to build it. That was a lot of money back then! The building was finished just one year later, in 1889.
Who Designed the Courthouse?
The person chosen to design this important building was John C. Paulsen. He was an architect who came from Germany. John Paulsen created a unique look for the courthouse. The company that actually built it was J.S. McKenzie.
What Does It Look Like?
The courthouse has a special design style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often uses heavy stone and round arches. The Jefferson County Courthouse has two stories. It was built using strong local granite and bricks made right there in the area.
Unique Features of the Courthouse
The building has a tall, square tower. On top of the tower is an eight-sided spire. There are also two smaller turrets, which are like small towers. You might even spot some interesting details! The building has gargoyles on each corner, just under the roof. Gargoyles are carved figures, often seen on old buildings from the Middle Ages.
Inside the courthouse, you'll find beautiful carved wood. This shows the amazing craftsmanship from when it was built. Today, the Jefferson County Courthouse is one of the oldest courthouses in Montana. It's still used for its original purpose, which is pretty cool!