Cheyenne County Courthouse

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

1. Cheyenne County Courthouse Marker

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From the National Register Nomination prepared by Karlene McKean, 2/4/1989:
The Cheyenne County Courthouse is significant for its association with Cheyenne County's early twentieth century homestead history and because it was designed by one of Colorado's prominent architects, John J. Huddart, the Georgian Revival Style building has architectural significance.
John J. Huddart of Denver was chosen as the architect for the new courthouse at the April 7, 1906 meeting of the county commissioners. Huddart was among the most talented architects in Denver during the nineteenth century. His work was High Victorian, eclectic and well-reviewed by the media.
On June 12, 1908, Huddart appeared before the commissioners with plans and specifications for the new courthouse. Bids for the construction were also opened, the lowest being that of S.L. Work of Denver, Colorado for $27,287. Because all the bids were higher than what the commissioners desired to expend, Huddart was asked to make changes in the plans and specifications so that the bids could come within the $25,000 limit.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

2. Cheyenne County Courthouse Marker

The marker is mounted on the right side of the front/south courthouse entrance.
From the National Register Nomination:  The most predominant architectural feature is the main entrance located in the center bay of the south facade. Attached stairs lead up to the double white nonoriginal steel doors. On either side of the main stairway are stairs, under the entrance stairs, leading down to a basement level entrance through an archway and a vaulted hall. The main entrance has a one-story pilaster on each side. Above the entrance on the roofline frieze are the words "Cheyenne County Court House." The entry way has nonoriginal glass block and brick which surrounds the main doors which replaced the original sidelights and transom.

On July 21, 1908 Huddart explained to the commissioners his reductions in the original plans and showed that the cost could be reduced to $25,890 "without changing the building except to the interior of the building of articles that can be supplied later." During this meeting, it was voted to accept the bid with S.L. Work as contractor; and a contract was drawn up at that time.
The Cheyenne County Courthouse was constructed in 1908 and was ready for use by March 1909, just twenty years after Cheyenne County was formed on March 25, 1889. At the time of its construction, a new immigration of homesteaders was entering eastern Colorado. The courthouse is a monument to these homesteaders who came and proved up on their land, showing that eastern Colorado could support families and farms as well as livestock. Cheyenne county needed a new courthouse because of the numbers of people that homesteading attracted and it was able to afford such a courthouse because of the taxes levied of these same homesteaders.

Excerpt:  The Cheyenne County Courthouse in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado is a Georgian Revival-style building that was built in 1908 and first used in 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

3. Cheyenne County Courthouse (southeast elevation)

Places in 1989. It was deemed significant for its association with the rapid homesteading of Cheyenne County which was created just 20 years before the courthouse was built, and for its architecture. It was renovated and extended to the back in 1983.

(by Carleton Pelton)  Excerpt:  The first official courthouse was the rented first floor of the Monte Cristo Hotel, later known as the Commercial Hotel, which was built in 1892 (no longer standing). Not only did this building serve as the courthouse, but he public used this building for dances and entertainment.
In 1906 the Commissioners decided a new Courthouse was required and they set a levy of three mills to raise the money. Construction began on the new courthouse in 1908. In 1909 the building was completed at the cost of approximately $28,000.
An article in the Cheyenne Republic newspaper dated March 5, 1909 described the courthouse: “The building is two stories high, with a large basement fitted up in rooms and with an attic which will also be used to good advantage. It is constructed with a heavy cement base; the walls are of brick; with a facing of red

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

4. Cheyenne County Courthouse (west elevation)

pressed brick, the inner walls being built of cement brick. The ornaments about the building are just enough to give it a tasty and substantial appearance.” The courthouse vestibule was laid with a tile of a mosaic pattern and the floors were oak. The second floor courtroom had a steel ceiling “of massive pattern and beautifully decorated in gilt”, reported the newspaper. The courthouse was heated with steam, and employees worked under light provided by acetylene gas.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

5. Cheyenne County Courthouse Marker

Looking north from South 1st Street East.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2025

6. Cheyenne County Courthouse Marker

Cheyenne County Courthouse (south/front elevation)