Original Wasco County Courthouse. . Completed in 1859 in response to a citizen petition, this courthouse is one of only two still standing which date back to Oregon Territorial days. The building, which cost $2,500, provided the first county-owned jail and office space. The sheriff had his office on the first floor near three jail cells; the courtroom and clerk's office were upstairs, entered only by an outside staircase. This courthouse, seat of government in a county that once was 130,000 square miles, served until the county built a larger one in 1882. The old, much-remodeled building was moved to this site in 1975 and has since undergone extensive restoration.
Completed in 1859 in response to a citizen
petition, this courthouse is one of only two still
standing which date back to Oregon Territorial
days. The building, which cost $2,500, provided
the first county-owned jail and office space. The
sheriff had his office on the first floor near three
jail cells; the courtroom and clerk's office were
upstairs, entered only by an outside staircase.
This courthouse, seat of government in a county
that once was 130,000 square miles, served until
the county built a larger one in 1882. The old,
much-remodeled building was moved to this
site in 1975 and has since undergone
extensive restoration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 45° 36.221′ N, 121° 11.314′ W. Marker is in The Dalles, Oregon, in Wasco County. It is on West 2nd Place west of Pentland Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 410 W 2nd Pl, The Dalles OR 97058, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Cascade Range, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vogt Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Peter's Church (about 500 feet away); The Thompson House (about 700 feet away); Umatilla House
Also see . . . Original Wasco County Courthouse. Website for the museum that now occupies the building, previously located at Third and Court Streets. (Submitted on May 2, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 251 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
