Washington County Historic Courthouse
Washington County owns and operates the Washington County Historic Courthouse, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 as the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota. Both the Tamarack House and the upper level of John McKusicks home were used as court facilities before the construction of a building at 4th and Chestnut in 1849. By 1867, ground was broken for this new and much larger courthouse high on the bluff overlooking the bustling commerce of downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River. The building was completed in 1870 under local contractors Seymour and May, and served as the administrative and judicial center of the county for more than a century. Designed by Augustus Knight of St. Paul, the courthouse favored the Italianate style. The limestone foundation and brick facade were capped with an imposing dome, cupola and flagpole, which soared as a landmark above the river city. The building was designed with a small two-story jail and a sheriff`s residence as part of the complex. Jutting skyward were 11 chimneys, necessities for the pot-bellied stoves that provided heat for the building. The courthouse contained a small two-story jail and a sheriff`s residence. In 1900, an additional two-story jail was added to the rear of the building. The original jail became the sheriff`s office and jail cells for female prisoners. Among the countys well-know sheriffs was Reuben Granquist, who served the county for 28 years, and his tenure typified life and business in the Courthouse. In 1942, Reuben entered the election for county sheriff and won. He moved into the sheriffs residence in the Washington County Courthouse with his wife, Gladys, and two sons, Bob and Don. Under Reubens tenure, the department met the rapidly expanding law enforcements demands in the growing county. The children were sometimes involved in answering calls to the department, and Gladys also played a major role. As the sheriffs wife, it was her job to help take care of the prisoners. She cooked complete meals three times a day, every day, all year, for all the people in jail. Gladys was also in charge of the laundry, including bedding and the prisoners clothes. She also served as a liaison for female prisoners. By 1962, the county had outgrown the building and the sheriff`s residence was converted into the Sheriff`s Office, forcing the sheriff and his family to move elsewhere. The large courtroom had been divided into a smaller courtroom and offices. There were even offices in the dank, dark basement of the building. During this time, the county considered razing the courthouse to build a new one on this site; ultimately, the new Government Center was built a mile south of the courthouse. In 1975, the county moved to a new government center one mile south of the original courthouse and made plans for an adaptive re-use of the old building. The building reopened in 1982 as a community facility providing office space for various groups, offering interpretative historical exhibits and tours, and serving as a venue for private and public gatherings. In 1997, the county designated the facility as a Washington County park. Today, the Historic Courthouse is used to preserve, re-adapt, restore, and interpret this historic landmark for current and future generations. This is accomplished through programming which fosters knowledge and appreciation of the county`s heritage. Volunteers were an integral part of the restoration of this site and they continue to be an important part of the Historic Courthouse activities.
Washington County Historic Courthouse
Washington County owns and operates the Washington County Historic Courthouse, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 as the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota. Both the Tamarack House and the upper level of John McKusicks home were used as court facilities before the construction of a building at 4th and Chestnut in 1849. By 1867, ground was broken for this new and much larger courthouse high on the bluff overlooking the bustling commerce of downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River. The building was completed in 1870 under local contractors Seymour and May, and served as the administrative and judicial center of the county for more than a century. Designed by Augustus Knight of St. Paul, the courthouse favored the Italianate style. The limestone foundation and brick facade were capped with an imposing dome, cupola and flagpole, which soared as a landmark above the river city. The building was designed with a small two-story jail and a sheriff`s residence as part of the complex. Jutting skyward were 11 chimneys, necessities for the pot-bellied stoves that provided heat for the building. The courthouse contained a small two-story jail and a sheriff`s residence. In 1900, an additional two-story jail was added to the rear of the building. The original jail became the sheriff`s office and jail cells for female prisoners. Among the countys well-know sheriffs was Reuben Granquist, who served the county for 28 years, and his tenure typified life and business in the Courthouse. In 1942, Reuben entered the election for county sheriff and won. He moved into the sheriffs residence in the Washington County Courthouse with his wife, Gladys, and two sons, Bob and Don. Under Reubens tenure, the department met the rapidly expanding law enforcements demands in the growing county. The children were sometimes involved in answering calls to the department, and Gladys also played a major role. As the sheriffs wife, it was her job to help take care of the prisoners. She cooked complete meals three times a day, every day, all year, for all the people in jail. Gladys was also in charge of the laundry, including bedding and the prisoners clothes. She also served as a liaison for female prisoners. By 1962, the county had outgrown the building and the sheriff`s residence was converted into the Sheriff`s Office, forcing the sheriff and his family to move elsewhere. The large courtroom had been divided into a smaller courtroom and offices. There were even offices in the dank, dark basement of the building. During this time, the county considered razing the courthouse to build a new one on this site; ultimately, the new Government Center was built a mile south of the courthouse. In 1975, the county moved to a new government center one mile south of the original courthouse and made plans for an adaptive re-use of the old building. The building reopened in 1982 as a community facility providing office space for various groups, offering interpretative historical exhibits and tours, and serving as a venue for private and public gatherings. In 1997, the county designated the facility as a Washington County park. Today, the Historic Courthouse is used to preserve, re-adapt, restore, and interpret this historic landmark for current and future generations. This is accomplished through programming which fosters knowledge and appreciation of the county`s heritage. Volunteers were an integral part of the restoration of this site and they continue to be an important part of the Historic Courthouse activities.
Posted Date
Sep 27, 2021
Source Name
Heirloom Homes and Landmark
