148 Years Ago
The February 20, 1878 Colorado Transcript celebrated the completion of the new Jefferson County Courthouse. This building was located at the southeast corner of 15th and Washington, across the street from Foothills Art Center. It was demolished in 1964.
The Transcript article described the building layout. The basement level was constructed of white sandstone. It was accessed through a door under the main stairway. The basement included eight iron-barred cells, each 8’x8′, with space for expansion. The Sheriff’s office was in this level, as were the living quarters for the jailer and his family.
The second floor included offices for the County Clerk, Treasurer, and Commissioners, and the County Court. The third floor was reserved for the district court, with the district courtroom stretching the whole width of the east side of the building, with a great view of Castle Rock.
The best office in the building belonged to the District Court Judge. He had the center office on the west side of the third floor, with a view of the mountains and a balcony.
The County built a new courthouse in the mid-1950s. The 1878 building spent its last few years as the home of the County history museum, and was demolished in 1964.
