Codington County Courthouse - Watertown, SD
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MNSearchers
N 44° 53.931 W 097° 06.857
14T E 648884 N 4973443
An example of Neo-classical architecture with Renaissance exterior elements, the Codington County Courthouse was built by Gray Construction under the direction of architects Freed & Perkins & McWayne.
Waymark Code: WM1RW8
Location: South Dakota, United States
Date Posted: 07/03/2007
Views: 38
It cost $375,000.00 and was dedicated in June, 1929 by County Commissioners Vern G. Wolheter, James E. Kiley, R. S. Lockhart, Thomas M. Spartz, Col. Lee Stover, Ivar Tvinde, and Patrick Walsh. Richly finished in marble and gold leaf, the interior is one of the most ornate of any courthouse in the state. The rotunda is the most striking interior feature, with its intricate colored glass dome. Nearby are two large murals, one representing “Justice and Power” and the other “Wisdom and Mercy,” painted by Vincent Adoratti of New York City. The county’s first permanent courthouse was also located on this site. That brick and stone building, with its imposing entrance tower, was constructed in 1883-1884 but was later torn down. Before it was built, the business of county government was conducted at various locations in the county, including Goss Hall and a Heegard and Company building, both after October 1878. Before that the county seat was at Kampeska, near the outlet of the Big Sioux River at Lake Kampeska beginning on August 7, 1878. The county was first organized on July 19, 1878 when territorial governor William A.Howard appointed three commissioners.
Street address:
1st Ave., SE,
Watertown, SD USA
County / Borough / Parish: Codington
Year listed: 1978
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1925-1949
Historic function: Government
Current function: Courthouse
Privately owned?: no
Hours of operation: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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