St. George in Washington County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Pioneer Courthouse
The beautifully restored building still stands across the street north and one clock east of here. Construction on the courthouse proceeded concurrently with construction of the tabernacle one block south of here. The same craftsmen who worked on the tabernacle also worked on the courthouse which was completed in 1870.
This building was originally to be built of dressed sandstone rocks, but due to the great number of men required to raise the walls of the tabernacle, the plan was changed to lime and brick which were manufactured locally. The three basement rooms were used as a jail. The first floor was arranged as county government offices, and the second floor had a large assembly room which was used, not only as a courtroom, but for government functions, civic group meetings, political gatherings, socials, dances and school classrooms.
A walk through the pioneer courthouse reveals 18 inch thick interior walls, some panes of original glass alongside the entrance doors, beautiful chandeliers, original paintings of Zion Canyon and Grand Canyon on the upstairs walls, and an early day security vault.
The fact that the courthouse is still a key center of activity in downtown St. George, is a testiment to the quality of workmanship that existed among Dixie’s early master builders.
Erected 1994 by Sons of Utah Pioneers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Sons of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 37° 6.58′ N, 113° 34.978′ W. Marker is in St. George, Utah, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from St. George Boulevard. It is in park next to Zion’s Bank. . Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36 E St George Boulevard, Saint George UT 84770, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. George Social Hall “Opera House” (a few steps from this marker); Brigham Young Home (a few steps from this marker); Gardeners’ Club Hall (a few steps from this marker); And the Desert Shall Blossom (within shouting distance of this marker); Erastus Snow's Big House (within shouting distance of this marker); Dixie Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woodward School (within shouting distance of this marker); St. George Tabernacle (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. George.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,698 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 27, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.