Benton County Courthouse
Built in 1888-89, the Benton County Courthouse is the oldest
in Oregon still being used for its original purpose.
The courthouse was designed by Delos D. Neer, a prominent
Portland Architect, in a style he described as resembling
"An Italian villa with a mystery influence."
Local stone and brick went into the structure, which cost
less than $70,000 to build and furnish.
On Nov. 4, 1889, Judge R. S. Bean presided over the first
circuit court session under its roof.
Thanks to a dramatic remodeling in the late 1970s, the
Courthouse today looks much as it did in its early years.
Many authentic furnishings and architectural details have
been preserved or restored, making the Courthouse a showcase
of Benton County history and architecture.
In 1968, the Benton County Courthouse was named an Oregon
Historic Site, and in 1977 was nominated to the National
Register of Historic Places.
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