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Historic Courthouse
101 W. Pine St.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Telephone: 651-275-7075
Fax: 651-275-7076
Email: historiccourthouse@co.washington.mn.us
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m.. to 4:30 p.m. - Closed on holidays
After hours and weekends by appointment only .
"The Historic Courthouse is considered one of the best examples of adaptive re-use of an historic site in the Midwest!" Charles Nelson - former Minnesota State Architect
History
In the aftermath of the Civil War, the country turned its attention to rebuilding and westward expansion. Lumber prospects in the St. Croix Valley promised wealth and success for Washington County. In 1867, ground was broken for a new courthouse high on the bluff overlooking the bustling commerce of downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix River.
Designed by Augustus Knight of St. Paul, the courthouse favored the Italianate style of architecture. 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 buildng was completed in 1870 and served as the administrative and judicial center of the county for more than a century.
In 1900, the original jail was replaced with a two-story jail addition on the rear of the builidng. The main floor of the old jail became the Sheriff's office and the second floor jail cells were retained 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 buildng.
During this time, the county considered razing the courthouse to build a new one on this site; but ultimately, the new Government Center was built a mile south of the courthouse.
In 1971, the Historic Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest standing courthouse in Minnesota.
The county moved out of the structure to the new Government Center in 1975 and plans were underway for an adaptive re-use of the old building.
Before the buildng could find a new niche in its long and useful life, the rooms literally had to be shoveled out and the buildng made weatherproof with a new roof and snow catchers. As the builidng was restored and made ADA compliant, a new vision for this architectural gem was developed which included history-related exhibits and activities, a private rental venue for weddings and special events and office space.
Much of the needed restoration has been completed duringthe past 30 years with the support of Washington County, the Minnesota Historical Society, local foundation grants, fundraising activities and donations from individuals, organizations and businesses.
Volunteers were an integral part of the restoratin of this site and they continue to be an important part of the courthouse operation.
The Historic Courthouse is now part of the Washington County Parks Division.
 Directions to Historic Courthouse
Guided Tours
Archives/Research
Exhibits/Reenactments
Historic Site Restoration
Guided Tours
Guided Tours of Historic Courthouse by appointment.
Monday through Friday by appointment only
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
45 minutes - $2 per person
For an appointment, cal: 651-275-7075.
April 15-Oct. 15 - Monday - Thursday
Free Guided Tours at 3 p.m.
Tours available for groups with special needs. The Historic Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible.
Listen to stories about the oldest standing courthouse in the state of Minnesota, the lumbering industry and the history of the building. Visit the old county jail and learn about the Sheriff's and their families who lived onsite.
Hear the legend of Zion's Hill, upon which the courthouse is built, which tells about the age-old dispute between the Dakota and Ojibwe and a prophecy by an Ojibwe chief.
Look at the Civil War monument which lists the names of soldiers of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry regiment. They fought valiantly at battles such as Bull Run and Gettysburg.
Self-Guided Tours
Vistors to the buildng may use a self-guided tour booklet to learn about this unique and important historic site.
Self-guided tours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 15 - Oct. 15
Free Guided Tours Monday through Thursday at 3 p.m.
Archives/Research
Archives Hours:
Monday - Friday, by appointment
A sampling of available records:
- County of St. Croix, Wisconsin Territory, 1840-1849
- County of Washington, Minnesota Territory, 1849-1859
- County of Washington, Minnesota, 1859-1966
- Washington County Tax Records by Townships
- Washington County Tax Judgement Roll Books, 1873-1968
- Plat Maps of St. Paul Park, North St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Wildwood
- Farmer's Atlas and Directory, 1912
- Washington County Jail Records, 1877-1967
Additional Sources:
St. Croix Collection - Stillwater Public Library
Telephone: 651-439-1675
Local Oral Histories, Census Records, Stillwater City Directories, Cemeteries Index, Naturalization Records
Washington County Historical Society
Telephone: 651-439-5956
Warden's House Museum, Research, Special Events, e-Photo Album, Schools of the Past
Minnesota Historical Society
Telephone: 651-296-2143 - Research Center/Libraries
Telephone: 651-296-6126 - General Information
Birth and Death Records prior to 1870
Minnesota Genealogical Society
Address:
1185 Concord St. N. Suite 218
South St. Paul, MN 55075-1187
Telephone:651-455-9057
Exhibits/Re-enactments
Take a step back in time...
Ongoing history-related exhibits are offered several times a year in the vault exhibit room. The Historic Courthouse grounds and building lend themselves well to historic re-enactments.
For information on the current exhibit, call 651-275-7075 or visit our
calendar page.
A Hub of Activities...
Each year, the Historic Courthouse welcomes local, national and international visitors to its many special events.
The purpose of the Historic Courthouse is to preserve, re-adapt, restore and interpret this historic landmark for current and future generations. This is accomplished through programs which foster knowledge and appreciation of the county's heritage and providing an outstanding rental venue.
The following is a sampling of past events:
- History related exhibits
- Valley Chamber Chorale and other musical Concerts
- Kickoff to Lumberjack Days and Talent Show
- Stillwater Bridal Affair
- Victorian Christmas at the Historic Courthouse
- History in Your Backyard
- The Victorian Tea
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