Tooele in Tooele County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Old Tooele County Courthouse
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Existing County Courthouse
1999 Centennial Year
Old Tooele County Courthouse
1999 Centennial Year
At a regular meeting of the County Commissioners, consisting of John A. Bevan, William Bracken of St. John, and George Hammond of Grantsville, a Resolution of Order was written into the minutes of April 5, 1898. They had thoroughly investigated the matter of building a County Courthouse, and found all conditions favorable. John P. Hill had submitted plans and specifications, and was employed as Architect at a commission of 5% of the estimated cost.
Fred Lionberg was given the general contract. Robert Scott received the contract for $1,120.00 to excavate, furnish material and put in the basement. John Martin was awarded the contract to furnish 115,000 brick at $6.75 per thousand. James Gollaher and Sons Co. did the shingling. It was resolved that the County Courthouse be erected upon what was known as "The County Poor House" lot. The building was of the typical modern day architecture, two story with a basement, constructed of sandstone foundation, brick wall, and wood floors. In 1899, the building was ready for occupancy.
For a number of years after its erection, the Courthouse stood on a bare plot of land, but in 1905, Sheriff Ophir A. Evans persuaded the Commissioners to plant lawn and trees. The landscaping was under the direction of Fred Hansen and Jimmy Cairescio Lawns and maple trees were planted and gravel walks were constructed.
Across the front of the grounds they erected an ornamental iron fence which stood for many years before being removed. Our County Courthouse, with its shaded grounds and handsome edifice, was a tribunal and sanctuary for our County from 1899 thru 1973, 74 years in all. The Courthouse was demolished in 1974 after the new Courthouse was completed.
Existing County Courthouse
A brief ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, February 23, 1973 signaled the start of construction for the new Tooele County Courthouse. It, being completed in late fall of 1973, and dedicated on October 12, 1974.
[ceremonial names and titles not transcribed]
Erected by Sons of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 90.)
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 1899.
Location. 40° 31.777′ N, 112° 17.874′ W. Marker is in Tooele, Utah, in Tooele County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and E 100 S, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 47 S Main St, Tooele UT 84074, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Utah’s Wasatch Front, in the West Desert, and in Greater Salt Lake. It is also in the American Mountain West and in Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tooele Veteran's Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Seek On" (about 400 feet away); Pioneer City Hall (about 400 feet away); Tooele County Courthouse and City Hall (about 400 feet away); Tooele Pioneer Hall (about 400 feet away); "Proud" (about
400 feet away); Old Tooele Ward Church (about 400 feet away); Pioneer Log Cabin (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tooele.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 18, 2026, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.


