Great Falls in Cascade County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
Cascade County Courthouse
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
1. Cascade County Courthouse Marker
Spirited revelry in the streets of Great Falls greeted news of the creation of Cascade County in 1887. Named county seat, Great Falls grew quickly, with county offices located in various downtown buildings. In 1891 voters approved the visionary $20,000 purchase of an entire city block for the site of a future courthouse. Lack of funds and taxable population delayed construction until 1901. Architects H. N. Black and Frank Longstaff called their courthouse design “pure French Renaissance with slight modifications.” Constructed of grey sandstone quarried nearby, the courthouse was dedicated on July 4, 1903. Its interior detail reflects the skill of the union craftsmen who fashioned it, while its beautifully landscaped grounds are a silent tribute to Great Falls city founder Paris Gibson, a tireless advocate for trees and parkland. The architects’ plan called for a dome made primarily from stone; instead, it is constructed entirely of copper. Topped by the Statue of Justice, the dome was used during World War II by lookouts guarding against possible Japanese air attacks. Today the courthouse continues to serve Cascade County citizens.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics
this page online
Location. 47° 30.466′ N, 111° 17.993′ W. Marker is in Great Falls, Montana, in Cascade County. Marker is on 2nd Avenue North, 0.1 miles east of 5th Street North, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in front of the subject courthouse, on the right-hand side of the wide walkway approaching the main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 415 Second Avenue North, Great Falls MT 59401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 305 Third Avenue North (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); Anaconda Company Manager's House (about 700 feet away); Methodist Parsonage (about 700 feet away); First United Methodist Church Parsonage (about 700 feet away); McCulloh Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); Toole Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away); F.W. Woolworth Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Falls.
Also see . . .
1. Cascade County Courthouse.
The building faces south and is a three story buff colored sandstone block structure with slight modifications. On the south side, the columns are solid
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
2. Cascade County Courthouse
2. Cascade County Courthouse.
Cascade County Courthouse is a three-story English Renaissance Revival structure which was built in 1901-1903. The buildings most noticeable features are the 'giant order' four polished granite columns in the front center of the building and the tall copper dome, raised on columns, which caps the design. (Submitted on March 10, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Cascade County Courthouse.
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1980, and is included in the Great Falls Northside Residential Historic District, which was listed on the NRHP in 1991 (Submitted on March 10, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
3. Cascade County Courthouse (copper dome)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
4. Cascade County Courthouse (entrance)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
5. Cascade County Courthouse (detail)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
6. Cascade County Courthouse (north side)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
7. Cascade County Courthouse (northeast corner view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
8. Cascade County Courthouse Cannon
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2013
9. Cascade County Courthouse Cannon Placard
Donated by Congress to the Soldiers Memorial Committee
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 10, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 18, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
