Washington County Courthouse

Duane's take

The way the marker tells it, here's the story of the Washington County Courthouse. Built in 1940, with funds granted by the Public Works Administration, this courthouse is the fourth to serve Washington County since its formation in 1835. That's a lot of history passing through a county seat.

When the time came to build this one, Washington County had a County Judge by the name of Sam Low, and it was during his tenure that the whole thing came together. Now, the building they raised wasn't just any government box. It's massive, built of white limestone, and designed in the art moderne style.

You want to know what art moderne looks like? Walk up to one of the entries. You'll find cast aluminum eagles posted there like they've been keeping watch since 1940, and the light fixtures carry that same deliberate style.

Every detail was chosen. Nothing accidental about it. Washington County had been doing the business of county government since 1835, and by 1940 they were going to make sure the building said so.

That white limestone courthouse still stands today, not just as a courthouse, but as a symbol of Washington County government, same as the marker says. Four courthouses across the life of a county, and this is the one that endures.

What the marker says

Built in 1940 with funds granted by the Public Works Administration. This is the fourth courthouse to serve Washington County since its formation in 1835. Constructed during the tenure of County Judge Sam Low, the massive white limestone courthouse was designed in the art moderne style. Details of that style include the light fixtures and cast aluminum eagles at the entries. The building stands as a symbol of Washington County government.