Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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U. S. Post Office
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The Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Butte, Montana
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 Location in Montana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 400 N. Main St., Butte, Montana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | James Knox Taylor, James Wetmore |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001426 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 1979 |
The Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse is an important building in Butte, Montana. It serves as a courthouse for the United States District Court for the District of Montana. This building was finished in 1904 and made bigger between 1932 and 1933.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it's a special place because of its history. At first, it was called the U. S. Post Office. It was also known as the Federal Building and U.S. Court House.
The building is part of the Butte Historic District. This whole area is important for its history. In 2002, the building was renamed to honor Mike Mansfield. He was a very important U.S. representative and senator from Montana.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's Story
This building has a long and interesting history, over 100 years old! At the start of the 1900s, Butte was a busy city. It was a big center for mining copper. Many people from different countries moved there. Butte became a "melting pot" where many cultures mixed.
Why Butte Needed a Federal Building
Butte grew so much that it had the fourth largest immigration office in the government. This meant a federal building was needed. It would be a place for a courthouse and a post office.
The building was designed by James Knox Taylor. He was the main architect for the U.S. Treasury Department. He designed many post office buildings. The first stone of the building was placed in May 1903. The building cost $300,000 to build. It opened on December 8, 1904.
A Place for New Citizens
When it first opened, the building was near many mines and shops. The fancy courtroom inside was used for many naturalization ceremonies. This is where thousands of immigrants officially became U.S. citizens.
Recognized as a Historic Place
The Mike Mansfield Federal Building is inside the Butte National Historic Landmark district. This district was named a special landmark in 1961. In 1966, the whole district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Then, in 1979, the building itself was also added to the list. In 2002, it was renamed to honor Mike Mansfield. He was a well-known and loved leader from Montana.
Building Design: A Closer Look
The building is in an area that was once the heart of Butte's busy business district. It was also close to mining areas. Old drawings show that there were tunnels and mine shafts on the building's site. Architect James Knox Taylor was very good at designing the building to fit the sloped land.
Renaissance Revival Style Explained
Built from 1903 to 1904, the building shows the Renaissance Revival style. This style was popular a long time ago. One special part of this style is the "rusticated" first floor. This means it has smooth blocks of terra cotta with deep lines between them. Other features include a fancy railing on the roof and special corner blocks called quoins.
The architect chose this style to show the government's good taste. The building's size and materials make it look strong and important. It showed that the federal government was present in Butte. The building was made with fireproof materials. This was important because a big fire in 1879 destroyed many wooden buildings in the town.
Outside the Building: Materials and Details
The front of the building is balanced and has a part that sticks out in the middle. It uses very high-quality materials. The steps and basement are made of cut granite stone. The first floor is covered with light-colored terra cotta. A decorative band goes around the building above this floor.
The bricks on the second and third floors are laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. Many decorations are made of terra cotta. These include the corner blocks, the fancy top part of the building, and the roof railing. There is also a scrolled, oval decoration in the center. An eagle decoration above the main entrance shows the federal government's power in Butte.
Inside the Building: Grand Spaces
The inside of the building also has high-quality materials. The most impressive room is the courtroom. It takes up the second and third floors. The courtroom doors are made of solid oak wood. The judge's bench is also hand-carved oak. Tall windows have round tops and are framed by marble columns. The arched ceiling has decorative plaster, making the room look grand.
The Copper Street lobby is another important area. It still has its original finishes, including marble on the lower walls. A fancy staircase goes from the basement to the third floor. This staircase is a main feature inside. Its steps are made of rose-colored marble. Terrazzo flooring is used throughout the building. Some areas have been covered, but the original floor is still there. Other parts of the inside have polished white Vermont marble on the baseboards, lower walls, and columns.
Changes Over Time
The building first had a U-shape. But it was made bigger in 1932 and 1933. The new part was designed by James A. Wetmore. He was also an architect for the U.S. Treasury Department. Wetmore made sure the new part matched the original building's design and materials. The addition more than doubled the building's size.
In 1965, the post office moved out of the building. The main lobby on Main Street was changed a lot. More changes inside happened in 1992. Much of the first floor was updated for new users.
Important Dates in History
- 1879: Butte became a city.
- 1903-1904: The Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse was built.
- 1932-1933: An addition was built onto the building.
- 1961: The Butte National Historic Landmark district was named.
- 1965: The post office moved out, and the Main Street lobby was changed.
- 1966: The Butte historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1979: The Federal Building and United States Courthouse was individually added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1992: The inside of the building was updated.
- 2002: The building was renamed to honor Mike Mansfield.
Quick Facts About the Building
- Location: 400 North Main Street
- Architects: James Knox Taylor; James A. Wetmore
- Built: 1903-1904 (original), 1932-1933 (addition)
- Historic Status: It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- It is also part of the Butte National Historic Landmark District.
- Architectural Style: Renaissance Revival
- Main Materials: Granite, Terra Cotta, Red Brick
- Special Features: A formal front, and a courtroom with decorative plaster and marble.
Images for kids
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The Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Butte, Montana
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The Mike Mansfield Federal Building and United States Courthouse in 1933.
See also
In Spanish: Edificio Federal Mike Mansfield y el Palacio de Justicia de los Estados Unidos para niños
