Barnes County Courthouse
491 Second Ave. NW, Valley City, NDThe Barnes County Courthouse has a local significance which stems from its role in county government. It has provided space for official county documents and offices. Local disputes, too, have been mitigated there.
The building is a significant architectural resource within the state. It is one of three distinctive county buildings in North Dakota (the others Ward and Burke counties) which were designed by the Minneapolis, Minnesota, firm Toltz, King, and Day. The arrangement of interior space resembles that in the Ward County Courthouse; both buildings take advantage of the effect of an atrium and skylight. These features are not used in other North Dakota courthouses after 1920. They recall the rotunda and stained glass dome of earlier courthouses, particularly those designed by Beuchner and Orth. The Barnes County Courthouse contrasts with Ward County's in two ways. The appearance of the former in 1925 reveals that neoclassical styles still had a popularity among prominent architects. The Burke and Ward County Courthouses, appearing in 1928 and 1929 respectively, show an abandonment of classical motifs in favor of Art Deco effects within the Toltz, King, and Day firm. Because all three buildings come from a single source, their stylistic evolution aids in constructing a chronology of stylistic evolution during the period from 1920-1940. The survey revealed that design changes reflected in the work of Toltz, King, and Day were paralleled by changes adopted by designers of other North Dakota courthouses during the late-1920's and early 1930's. This continuum of change makes all three of their courthouses significant in architectural history.
Local significance of the building:
The building is a significant architectural resource within the state. It is one of three distinctive county buildings in North Dakota (the others Ward and Burke counties) which were designed by the Minneapolis, Minnesota, firm Toltz, King, and Day. The arrangement of interior space resembles that in the Ward County Courthouse; both buildings take advantage of the effect of an atrium and skylight. These features are not used in other North Dakota courthouses after 1920. They recall the rotunda and stained glass dome of earlier courthouses, particularly those designed by Beuchner and Orth. The Barnes County Courthouse contrasts with Ward County's in two ways. The appearance of the former in 1925 reveals that neoclassical styles still had a popularity among prominent architects. The Burke and Ward County Courthouses, appearing in 1928 and 1929 respectively, show an abandonment of classical motifs in favor of Art Deco effects within the Toltz, King, and Day firm. Because all three buildings come from a single source, their stylistic evolution aids in constructing a chronology of stylistic evolution during the period from 1920-1940. The survey revealed that design changes reflected in the work of Toltz, King, and Day were paralleled by changes adopted by designers of other North Dakota courthouses during the late-1920's and early 1930's. This continuum of change makes all three of their courthouses significant in architectural history.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
About National Register Listings
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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North Dakota is home to several historic forts, including Fort Abraham Lincoln, which was the home of General George Custer and his troops before the Battle of Little Bighorn.
About Barnes County
Barnes County Timeline
Barnes County, located in the southeastern part of North Dakota, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Dakota Sioux Native American tribe and later became a part of the Dakota Territory. In 1872, Barnes County was officially established and named after Alanson H. Barnes, a Republican politician of the time.
The arrival of European settlers in the 1870s brought significant changes to the region. The growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, as it provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Barnes County. Numerous small towns, such as Valley City, Litchville, and Wimbledon, were established as economic and social centers for the surrounding rural communities.
In the early 20th century, Barnes County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices. However, the construction of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway in the 1930s helped boost tourism and brought new opportunities to the area. Additionally, the establishment of Valley City State University in 1890 provided educational and cultural resources to the community.
Over the years, Barnes County has continued to evolve and adapt to a changing world. Today, it remains an important agricultural region, known for its wide-open landscapes and friendly communities. The county's historical sites, museums, and festivals serve as a reminder of its rich heritage and the contributions made by its residents throughout the years.
The arrival of European settlers in the 1870s brought significant changes to the region. The growth of agriculture, particularly wheat farming, became the backbone of the local economy. The introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, as it provided a means for transporting goods and people to and from Barnes County. Numerous small towns, such as Valley City, Litchville, and Wimbledon, were established as economic and social centers for the surrounding rural communities.
In the early 20th century, Barnes County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and changes in agricultural practices. However, the construction of the Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway in the 1930s helped boost tourism and brought new opportunities to the area. Additionally, the establishment of Valley City State University in 1890 provided educational and cultural resources to the community.
Over the years, Barnes County has continued to evolve and adapt to a changing world. Today, it remains an important agricultural region, known for its wide-open landscapes and friendly communities. The county's historical sites, museums, and festivals serve as a reminder of its rich heritage and the contributions made by its residents throughout the years.
Barnes County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barnes County, North Dakota.
- 1870: Native American tribes settle in the area.
- 1872: Fort Ransom is established by the US Army.
- 1874: European settlers arrive and begin farming in the region.
- 1879: Barnes County is officially organized and named after Judge Alanson Barnes.
- 1881: Valley City becomes the county seat.
- 1882: The railroad reaches Valley City, stimulating economic growth.
- 1910: The Sheyenne River Valley is hit by severe flooding.
- 1920s: The agricultural economy booms, with wheat and corn as the main crops.
- 1930s: The Great Depression brings economic hardships to the county.
- 1957: Valley City State University is established.
- 1980: Valley City experiences a devastating tornado.
- 2000s: Barnes County sees a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration.