Madison County Courthouse
- Construction completed in 1876
- Dedicated July 4, 1876
- The oldest Courthouse in Montana still used for its original purpose
- Listed at the highest national significance level as National Historic Land District on the National Register of Historic Places, dedicated in 1961
- Virginia City was the Territorial Capital from 1865 to 1875
- The structure pre-dates the brick Courthouse in Bannack
- Southeast vault/jury room addition constructed in 1913
- Southwest 4 story addition completed in 1962
- Has survived major earthquakes and fire (major fire in 1972)
- Vaults store and protect many of Montana's earliest records
TO RESTORE AND PRESERVE
The restoration project was created to restore, enhance and protect the 126 year old Courthouse structure. Madison County applied for and was awarded a $250,000 Save America's Treasures Grant through the National Park Service. This program was developed to preserve nationally significant historical structures and sites. The total project cost at the time of the Grant request was estimated at $536,000.
Projects within the restoration plan were:
- Windows - All the windows, many of which still had original glass were restored.
- Electrical - Electrical wiring was upgraded. The majority of the building was completely rewired.
- Technology Wiring - In association with the electrical work, all computer and other technological wires were replaced within the walls. (Both of these projects were accomplished for enhanced user availability, efficiency, as well as safety.)
- Exterior - All wood and wood trim on the exterior was painted - exception: front steps and railings.
- Interior - The entire interior was painted: doors, walls, trim, vaults, etc.
- Flooring - Wool carpet with era consistent pattern was installed throughout the 1876 and 1913 portions of the building. Commercial synthetic flooring was installed in the 1962 addition.
