Beaver County Courthouse
90 E. Center St., Beaver, UTBeaver County had been created by the Territorial Legislature in 1855. General management of the county was entrusted to the County Court which consisted of a probate judge and three selectmen, who jointly possessed the power of the County Commissions today. In 1876 the 6,000 inhabitants of the county elected to build Beaver County Courthouse to house the Second Judicial District Court of the Territory of Utah.
Because of Indian unrest during the Black Hawk War, the trials of John D. Lee, associated with the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and a general desire on the part of the Federal government to maintain a watchful eye over "Mormons" to the south, both the courthouse, the seat of Federal authority and Fort Cameron, with Federal troops nearby, played significant roles in the lives of these early Utahns. In fact, William Stokes, a former Union soldier, directed the building of the courthouse. The architect is unknown.
Although begun in 1876, the courthouse was not completed until 1882, at a cost of $10,960. Fire partially destroyed the structure in 1889, but it was soon rebuilt with many improvements. Later additions to the rear include a 32" x 29' vault and a jail.
The second trial of John D. Lee was held in the Second Judicial District Court in Beaver, U.T. in December 1876. The courthouse, only in early excavation stages at the time, was not the site for these trials.
Nevertheless, this lovely courthouse remains in use today by Beaver County, an emblem of the pretentious construction of public buildings during the Territorial period. It also symbolizes the Federal Government's attempts to govern and "observe" the Mormons during a period when the practice of Polygamy heightened those conflicts.
Local significance of the building:
Because of Indian unrest during the Black Hawk War, the trials of John D. Lee, associated with the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and a general desire on the part of the Federal government to maintain a watchful eye over "Mormons" to the south, both the courthouse, the seat of Federal authority and Fort Cameron, with Federal troops nearby, played significant roles in the lives of these early Utahns. In fact, William Stokes, a former Union soldier, directed the building of the courthouse. The architect is unknown.
Although begun in 1876, the courthouse was not completed until 1882, at a cost of $10,960. Fire partially destroyed the structure in 1889, but it was soon rebuilt with many improvements. Later additions to the rear include a 32" x 29' vault and a jail.
The second trial of John D. Lee was held in the Second Judicial District Court in Beaver, U.T. in December 1876. The courthouse, only in early excavation stages at the time, was not the site for these trials.
Nevertheless, this lovely courthouse remains in use today by Beaver County, an emblem of the pretentious construction of public buildings during the Territorial period. It also symbolizes the Federal Government's attempts to govern and "observe" the Mormons during a period when the practice of Polygamy heightened those conflicts.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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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The state's official tree is the quaking aspen, a deciduous tree that is known for its beautiful fall foliage.
About Beaver County
Beaver County Timeline
Beaver County, Utah has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was home to the Paiute Indian Tribe, who lived off the land and utilized the resources of the region. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1850s, led by Mormon pioneers seeking new opportunities and a place to practice their faith.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
The town of Beaver, which would become the county seat, was established in 1856. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, drawn by the fertile soil and ample water sources. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with crops such as wheat, corn, and fruit thriving in Beaver County's mild climate. Early settlers also raised livestock and operated small-scale mining operations, primarily for gold and silver.
In the late 1800s, transportation became a major factor in Beaver County's development. The Union Pacific Railroad extended its line to the region, opening up new markets and opportunities for the residents. The railroad brought an influx of tourists and businessmen, leading to the growth of hotels, businesses, and services in Beaver and other towns.
Throughout the 20th century, Beaver County continued to thrive through agriculture, mining, and tourism. The county experienced the boom and bust cycles associated with these industries, but managed to adapt and remain resilient. Today, Beaver County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its friendly community. It is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of its early pioneers and the generations that followed.
Beaver County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Beaver County, Utah.
- 1776 - Spanish explorers from California pass through the area
- 1826 - American trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith visits the region
- 1856 - Mormon pioneers settle in Beaver County
- 1861 - Beaver County is officially established
- 1872 - Railroad reaches Beaver, providing economic boost
- 1895 - Beaver County Courthouse is built in Beaver
- 1906 - Tintic Mining District is established, bringing mining boom
- 1931 - Completion of historic Beaver Dam Lodge and Golf Course
- 1970 - Completion of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort
- 1985 - Completion of Minersville Reservoir