Historic Courthouse

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 building 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 building. 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 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 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 building could find a new niche in its long and useful life, the rooms literally had to be shoveled out and the building made weatherproof with a new roof and snow catchers. As the building 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 during the 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 restoration 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

Monday through Thursday
April 18 - October 14
On the hour between 10 am and 3 pm
 
Fridays and Saturdays 10:45 a.m.

Organized Group Tours - Call to make arrangments for your group to tour the courthouse. Small fee for organized group tours.

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.

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.

Archives Hours:
Monday - Friday, by appointment

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

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.

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.