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Big Horn County Courthouse

Introduction

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The Big Horn County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since its construction in 1937. In addition to its role in local government, the building is also notable for the fact that it was constructed with funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was of the federal agencies during the Great Depression that provided jobs to Americans. Lastly, the courthouse is a fine example of Art Deco architecture, featuring a rose-colored limestone facade and decorative cast concrete elements. It is a contributing property of the Commercial District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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The Big Horn County Courthouse was built in 1937 thanks in large part to the Works Progress Administration.

The Big Horn County Courthouse was built in 1937 thanks in large part to the Works Progress Administration.

Backstory and Context

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The Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted for around a decade, resulting in millions of Americans losing their jobs. In response, the federal government established agencies like the WPA to provide opportunities for employment and boost the economy. Here in Montana, the federal government spent over $24 million dollars between 1935-1937. More than 100 workers—who were mostly unskilled—built the courthouse, which cost $150,000 (the county had to pay $20,000). It was designed by the well-known Montana architect J. G. Link, whose firm designed several other courthouses in the state. The courthouse originally housed a jail, auditorium, county offices, and the sheriff's living quarters. In 1979, an addition was built and the courthouse was remodeled to bring it up to modern standards.

Sources

"Commercial District." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. August 14, 1985. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/0f9b4d33-90de-4c10-b9ad-55da9f67c7e2.

The Montana National Register Sign Program. “Big Horn County Courthouse.” Montana Historical Society - Digital Vault. Accessed July 22, 2020, http://digitalvault.mhs.mt.gov/items/show/19992.

"Walking Tour of Hardin, Montana." Big Horn County Historic Preservation Office. April 11, 1991. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/91000380_text.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Billings Gazette: https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/public-safety-measures-sink-in-big-horn-county/article_4c674d33-c167-5665-8e52-2be6bce657c5.html

Additional Information