Downtown in Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Minnehaha County Courthouse

Old Courthouse and Warehouse Historic District

April 1, 2022

1. The Minnehaha County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. The Minnehaha County Courthouse was built between 1889-1890. Its architect, Wallace Dow, designed the building in the massive Richardsonian-Romanesque style, using rough quartzite stones to impress upon the public the law's majesty and power. At the time of construction, the building was reportedly the "largest court building between Chicago and Denver." For $85,000 the county got its courthouse, but additional funds were needed to finish the clock tower and interior.

As the county grew, an annex was added on the north side for needed office space. A new courthouse was built in 1962, and the old building was abandoned for nearly 12 years.

In 1974 the county decided to use the old courthouse as a museum. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected by Rotary Club of Sioux Falls.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 43° 33.095′ N, 96° 43.732′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from North Main Street north of West 6th Street, on the right when traveling south

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. Located on the grounds of the Old Courthouse Museum, in Reardon Plaza on the northwest side of the building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W 6th St, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Hanging of an Innocent Man (within shouting distance of this marker); John Deere (within shouting distance of this marker); The Law Exchange Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Willey-Williams Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dakota Iron Store (about 300 feet away); Divorce Capital (about 300 feet away); President Woodrow Wilson (about 300 feet away); The Coliseum (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

April 1, 2022

2. The Minnehaha County Courthouse Marker

The Old Courthouse Museum, formerly the Minnehaha County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

April 1, 2022

3. The Old Courthouse Museum, formerly the Minnehaha County Courthouse

Reardon Plaza, behind the Old Courthouse Museum image. Click for full size.

April 1, 2022

4. Reardon Plaza, behind the Old Courthouse Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 5, 2022. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 5, 2022.