One hundred fifty years ago this week, a group of 19 leaders from every corner of Merced County gathered to dedicate a new building that brought a lot of excitement to residents of a then-burgeoning railroad town.
The opulent Italianate-style edifice in Merced was designed by renowned architect Albert Austin Bennett, who had also worked on California’s State Capitol, not to mention several other important courthouses and buildings.
The Merced Courthouse was certainly no ordinary-looking building in 1875, and it hasn’t lost its architectural elegance with time.
A statue of Minerva kept watch from atop a spectacular domed cupola overlooking the ever-growing settlement. Intricate columns, arched windows and high balconies greeted vistors walking up the tall staircase upon entry.
Fast forward a century and a half later, the Merced County Courthouse at 21st and N streets continues to inspire those who gaze upon it.
With that level of appreciation in mind, a group of Merced County leaders gathered at the courthouse Monday for a rededication ceremony. A plaque memorializing the occasion was unveiled at the entrance of the courthouse.
Sarah Lim, local historian and director of the Merced County Courthouse Museum, said the building’s rededication provides an opportunity to celebrate the county’s rich “living history” and honor its pioneers.
“For the past 150 years, this historic courthouse has gone through its share of triumphs and struggles, but continues to be a center of learning, a symbol of justice, and the heart of our community,” Lim said.
Josh Pedrozo, chair of the Merced County Board of Supervisors, called the building a “timeless landmark” that continues to stand as a testiment to Merced County’s enduring spirit.
“We gather today not just to reflect on the past, but to honor the foundation laid by those who came before us,” Pedrozo said. “Their vision and determination paved the way the Merced County we know today, a place of promise, resilience and potential.”
The Merced County Courthouse is arguably the most important and enduring historic building in Merced, next to the Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre. The building’s cupola is used on Merced County’s official logo.
Paul C. Lo, presiding judge of the Merced County Superior Court, said he remembered seeing the impressive building when moving to Merced as a young attorney in the mid-1990s.
Lo joked he mistakenly thought the building was still the location where court was in session.
“I remember walking to the courthouse and coming here as opposed to that courthouse,” Lo said, referring to another, much younger courts building across from Courthouse Park. “They just don’t build courthouses like this anymore.”
Preserving history for future generations
Back when it was built, the building served as much more than a courthouse, sheriff’s office and jail. It was where the Board of Supervisors would hold meetings. Plus, there were other county offices, including tax collector and county superintendent of schools, according to a column written by Lim.
Merced County administration remained in the building until the late 1970s, and it reopened as the Courthouse Museum in 1983.
Right now, much of the building is covered in scaffolding due to the ongoing $3.5 million renovation happening to preserve it for future generations.
Joyce Mattos, president of the Merced County Historical Society, said she hopes the repairs will preserve the courthouse for at least another 150 years.
“We are proud that this historic building has been preserved and is the home of so many artifacts of Merced County history,” Mattos said.
For those who are interested in learning more about the courthouse and local history, there is a lot more to come. On Oct. 4, the Courthouse Museum will premiere the exhbit “Old Courthouse, 150 Years; 150 Stories.”
Community members are invited to submit their stories about the old courthouse in 200 words or less with a photo for the display. Those will also be included in a commemorative anniversary book that will be available for purchase.
