Washington County Courthouse (Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Washington County Courthouse
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Washington County Courthouse from the north-northwest
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1867–1870 |
| Architect | Augustus F. Knight |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| MPS | Washington County MRA (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000443 |
| Added to NRHP | August 26, 1971 |
The Washington County Courthouse was built in 1870 in Stillwater, Minnesota. It is one of the oldest courthouses still standing in the state. For over 100 years, from 1870 to 1975, it was the main place for the Washington County government. This is where important decisions were made and laws were kept.
In 1971, the courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important building because of its unique design and its role in government history. It was recognized as Minnesota's oldest working courthouse. It is also one of the few large public buildings from the mid-1800s that is still around.
After a new government building opened in 1975, the old courthouse was carefully fixed up. Now, it is used for fun community events, cultural gatherings, and private parties. It's a special place where people can come together.
Building History
The courthouse was designed by Augustus Knight from St. Paul. He used a style called Italianate, which was popular at the time. When the courthouse opened in 1870, Washington County was doing very well because of the lumber industry.
The building showed how wealthy the county was. It stood proudly on Zion's Hill, looking over the city. The bottom part of the building is made of strong limestone. The outside walls are made of brick. On top, there is a large dome, a smaller cupola, and a flagpole. It cost about $60,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then!
A New Purpose for the Old Courthouse
Over time, the county needed more space and different kinds of offices. So, a new courthouse and government center opened in 1975. People then started working to find a new use for the historic old courthouse.
Many local businesses, community groups, and foundations gave money to help fix it up. Today, the historic courthouse is a place for people to gather. It hosts community events, cultural shows, and private parties like weddings.
The people who run the courthouse want to "preserve, re-adapt, restore and interpret this historic landmark." This means they want to keep it safe and teach others about its history. They work with local groups to take care of the building and its grounds. They also give tours and share stories about the county's past. Renting out the building for events helps pay for its upkeep.
See also
- List of county courthouses in Minnesota
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Minnesota
