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Home Special Sections Travel & Tourism

LOST HISTORY OF THE YAVAPAI COUNTY COURTHOUSE

July 2, 2018
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by Drew Desmond, Contributing Writer,  Prescott Western Heritage Foundation, Inc.

Had it been challenged, the construction of the Yavapai County Courthouse would not have stood up in court. When bids were received for the job, all were over budget. In response, county supervisors worked solely with the lowest bidder, changing specifications to reduce the cost.

The county attorney declared this illegal, as state law required a new solicitation of bids. Yet, so desperate was the need for a new building, that no one ever challenged the matter in court.

The fireproof building would be made of reinforced concrete floors and walls encapsulated by over 25,000-cubic yards of native granite weighing over 57,000 tons.

The granite for the Courthouse was quarried locally at the Larkin Quarry, northwest of Rock Lane in Miller Valley. Preparatory operations to extract the granite were extensive. These included a large line of power machinery, derricks, erecting shops and buildings. Expert masons from Scotland were brought in to handle the detailed work.

It turned out that this native stone made exceptional building material. Blocks were cleaved without explosives. Instead, holes were drilled and a splitting wedge was used to separate them. The rough-cut stones were then taken to finishing sheds using a narrow-gauge tram.

Every stone was formed to exact specifications, and each has an individual number still painted on its backside to identify where it would be placed during the construction.

As digging was underway for the foundation, flecks of gold were found mixed in the dirt. Out of curiosity, this dirt was assayed and it was discovered that a single ton would net two ounces of gold. The city’s founders seemed to have unwittingly plotted out Prescott’s downtown over an ancient and rich placer gold field. Since the discovery of gold brought rise to the city, residents thought it appropriate.

The breadth and depth of this field has never been fully ascertained, but if old Capitol Hill, just east of the Courthouse, was the ancient bank of Granite Creek, the entire downtown district might be resting on this rich gold field.

To us, the Courthouse is an antique, but taking the perspective of the building’s own lifetime, she’s just now emerging from adolescence. Undoubtedly, the “Belle of the Downtown Ball” has bones sufficient to become a very old lady, indeed. Long may she stand!

Sources: Journal-Miner, April 1916, Yavapai Magazine, February 1917 AND Sharlot Hall Museum Archives.

 

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Prescott Living Magazine
17 hours ago
Prescott Living Magazine

Did you know that the 'Tis Art Center and Gallery offers the STEPS Art Education Program for Children? The classes take place in the 'Tis Annex Art Education Building, located at 235 N. Marina St. in Prescott. There are summer programs coming up in June, July, and August. The classes are free and include tuition and art supplies, with class size limited to 8 students. Please visit the 'Tis website for class details.
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STEPS Art Education Program for Children | 'Tis Art Center & Gallery

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STEPS Art Education Program for Children in the ‘Tis Annex Building 235 N. Marina St. Prescott, AZ 86301 ‘Tis Annex Art Education Building 235 N. Marina FREE art education classes taught by profes...
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Prescott Living Magazine
2 days ago
Prescott Living Magazine

If you love art then downtown Prescott is the place to be today! The Phippen Museum's 49th Annual Western Art Show & Sale is on today from 9-3 at the Courthouse Plaza, and the Off-Street Festival will also be open from 9-3. The community art festival is taking place outdoors behind the Prescott Chamber of Commerce at 117 W. Goodwin St.
The Phippen Museum of Western Art is offering free admission today from 10-3.
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