Mariposa County Courthouse, Mariposa, California
Posted by: 
NevaP
N 37° 29.335 W 119° 58.040
11S E 237648 N 4153248
This fine early Greek Revival building is the oldest courthouse in continuous use, west of the Rockies.
Waymark Code: WM1KWT
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 05/28/2007
Views: 68
Prior to the gold rush county bus1ness in this area was conducted in rented buildings, but the rapid increase in population pointed to the need for a permanent courthouse. Construction was done in 1854 at a cost of $9000, utilizing White Pine cut nearby. The wood was planed by hand at the site and the building was constructed without nails in the supporting structure as the main structural points were held together with pine pegs and are strengthened by mortise and tenon joints. The courtroom on the second floor still contains the original benches and other furnishings.
The clock tower was added in 1866. The clock is wound by hand cranking two weighted cables. The bell in the tower, which has sounded continuously since installed, was shipped from the east coast, around Cape Horn, at a cost of $1,130.35.
Much of present day US mining law has a basis in decisions made in this courthouse.
Year Built: 1854
Current Use of Building: County Courthouse
Level of Courts: County
Architect: V. Fox and A. F. Shriver
Dates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: 1854 - present
Physical Address:
5088 Bullion St.
Mariposa, CA 95338
Related Website: [Web Link]
Hours: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.