The Oldest Courthouse In North Dakota Is A Historic Marvel Worth Visiting

Did you know that the oldest courthouse in North Dakota is older than the state itself? Now a historic site, this building is over 135 years old and it’s pretty special for multiple reasons. Its beautiful architecture is just one of the few reasons to check it out – which, by the way, is possible thanks to the site now being listed as a historic place. Tour this fascinating place and see why it’s one of the most important parts of North Dakota’s history.

Located in Jamestown, North Dakota, the Stutsman County Courthouse stands tall and proud. This beautiful building was erected in 1883, predating the state by 6 years.

What's unique about this structure is not just that it's the oldest surviving courthouse in the state, but also the building style. It's only one of two courthouses built in this "Gothic Revival" style in ND. Plus, the intricately-detailed pressed tin lining the walls of the interior is one of the largest collections of antique pressed tin in the entire Midwest.

If that's not enough reason to visit, if you see it for yourself in person you'll also be standing in the building that was essentially the place where the idea of North Dakota as a state was put forward.

The idea and decision of splitting up the Dakota Territory into two states, one of them being North Dakota of course, happened here. The State Historical Society of North Dakota calls it the "birthplace of statehood."

Other than its significance to the state's history and unique building style, the Stutsman County Courthouse is also just a neat time capsule. Visitors will enjoy seeing all of the pieces of the past that are preserved here.

This courthouse was used until the 1980s when a new courthouse was built. The original was almost turned into a parking lot, but luckily the locals sought to save this historic place and it's now a special site that has educated and delighted many visitors.

If you're interested in checking out a beautiful structure that's steeped in North Dakota history, this is a must!

Learn more about visiting the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site at this website. There is also a Facebook page for the site. Please note that it is a seasonal historic site and isn’t open year-round, so check to make sure it’s open before visiting.

Take a trip to the past through the oldest photos ever taken in North Dakota.

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504 3rd Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401, USA

The Stutsman County Courthouse Is The Oldest And One Of The Rarest In North Dakota

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