Adams County Courthouse

600 Adams Ave., Hettinger, ND
The Adams County Courthouse is significant for providing space for county offices and court trails, and for protecting valuable records of property, government and commerce. The building also exhibits an architecturally significant design from an architect who won many commissions for courthouses in the state. This project preceded that of the Burleigh County Courthouse for architect Rush, and differs dramatically in style. The horizontal composition and decorative elements of the Hettinger courthouse lean toward the federalist revival style, which was declining in popularity among leading designers in the state by the end of the 1920's. Rush uses the massing of vertical composition and the spandrels in a way more akin to Art Deco effects. The building, then, demonstrates the movement toward the dominant courthouse style of the 1930's. County Commissioners required Rush to simplify his original design because of expense. It is conceivable that Rush reduced costs by modifying a Deco design to include more conventional (and less costly) classically inspired features. Finally, the recent change in window types has preserved the original vertical emphasis given by the wooden mullions.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

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The town of Rugby, North Dakota is considered to be the geographical center of North America. A stone marker in the town's courthouse square marks the exact location of the center.
Adams County, ND has an intriguing history that dates back to the late 1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara peoples, who utilized the surrounding land for hunting and gathering resources. The arrival of European settlers in the late 1800s marked a significant turning point in the area's history.

In 1884, Adams County was officially established, named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. The county's economy began to flourish, primarily driven by agriculture and the discovery of coal and natural gas deposits. The railroad also played a crucial role in the county's growth, facilitating the transportation of goods and people to and from the area.

Throughout the early 20th century, agriculture became the backbone of Adams County's economy. Residents cultivated wheat, barley, flax, and other crops, transforming the region into a prime agricultural hub. The county's population grew steadily, as more individuals and families moved to the area in search of agricultural opportunities.

In recent decades, Adams County has faced both challenges and opportunities. Advances in technology have transformed farming practices, allowing for increased efficiency and productivity. However, the decline in commodity prices and the consolidation of farms have also had a significant impact on the county's agricultural sector. Despite these challenges, Adams County remains a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adams County, North Dakota.

  • 1893 - Adams County is established in the Dakota Territory.
  • 1898 - Lemmon is founded as the county seat.
  • 1907 - The Milwaukee Railroad reaches Adams County, boosting agricultural development.
  • 1911 - Adams County experiences an oil boom, leading to significant economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and Dust Bowl hit the area, causing widespread hardship.
  • 1951 - A significant oil discovery is made in Adams County, revitalizing the local economy.
  • 1971 - The Adams County Courthouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is constructed.
  • 2006 - Adams County celebrates its centennial anniversary.