Swift County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Swift County Courthouse
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The Swift County Courthouse from the southeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 301 14th Street North, Benson, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1897–98 |
| Built by | Deeks & Co. |
| Architect | Buechner & Jacobson |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000771 |
| Designated | September 19, 1977 |
The Swift County Courthouse is an important building in Benson, Minnesota. It serves as the main office for the government of Swift County, Minnesota. This means it's where many important decisions for the county are made.
The courthouse has been used continuously since it was finished in 1898. It was designed by a famous architecture firm called Buechner & Jacobson. The building's unique look is in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. In 1977, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This honor shows how important the building is to the area's history and its special design.
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What is the Swift County Courthouse?
The Swift County Courthouse is the central place for the government of Swift County. Think of it as the county's headquarters. Many important county offices are located here. This includes offices for county leaders and staff. They work together to serve the people of Swift County.
Why is it important for the county?
This building has been the heart of Swift County's government for a very long time. Since 1898, it has been a place for public meetings. It's where county officials handle important tasks. These tasks include managing public services and keeping official records. The courthouse helps the county run smoothly every day.
What does the courthouse look like?
The Swift County Courthouse has a special design. It was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often features strong, heavy stone walls. You might also see round arches over windows and doors. The building looks solid and impressive.
Who designed this unique building?
The architectural firm of Buechner & Jacobson designed the courthouse. They were known for creating many public buildings. Their work often showed the strong features of the Romanesque style. This courthouse is a great example of their design ideas. It shows how this style influenced buildings back then.
Why is it a historic place?
The Swift County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects. They are important for their history, architecture, or culture. The courthouse earned its spot for two main reasons.
Its role in government and history
First, it has served as the center of Swift County government for over 125 years. This long history makes it very important. It represents the ongoing work of local government. Many key decisions for the county have been made within its walls.
Its amazing architecture
Second, the building is a great example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It shows how this style was used for public buildings. Its design tells a story about the past. It helps us understand building styles from the late 19th century.
