Yavapai County Courthouse
Construction (1916)
Built between 1914 and 1916 from local granite quarried near Prescott and sandstone. Cost roughly $185,000 at the time. Architect William Norman Bowman designed the Neoclassical exterior.
Architecture
Neoclassical style with a granite base and Corinthian columns. The dome at the top houses a working bell. The exterior has been preserved while the interior was modernized for current court operations.
Public spaces
The lobby holds historical exhibits. Public courtrooms can be visited during business hours. The plaza grounds outside are open 24 hours.
The plaza
One-square-block plaza surrounding the courthouse. Mature elms, walking paths, the Bucky O'Neill statue (1907) on the southwest corner, and benches. Most major Prescott events stage here.
Bucky O'Neill statue
The 1907 bronze of William 'Bucky' O'Neill on horseback honors the Prescott mayor and Spanish-American War Rough Rider who died at San Juan Hill. The monument was Solon Borglum's first major commission. Borglum's older brother Gutzon later carved Mount Rushmore.
Christmas Lighting tradition
The first weekend of December lights the courthouse and plaza in white lights through New Year's. The tradition dates to 1955.
Frequently asked
When was the courthouse built?+
Completed in 1916.
Is it still a working courthouse?+
Yes.
Can the public visit?+
Yes during business hours; the plaza is open 24 hours.
Who designed it?+
Architect William Norman Bowman.
What is the Bucky O'Neill statue?+
1907 bronze by Solon Borglum honoring the local Spanish-American War Rough Rider.
When does the Christmas Lighting happen?+
First weekend of December.
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