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The home of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office lies within the Columbia County Courthouse; the oldest operating courthouse in the State of Washington. Built in 1887, its historic architectural heritage has been preserved through a determined restoration effort.On the ground floor is the Columbia County Communications Center and the Sheriff's Office. The jail facilities are the brig of a ship that was placed on the foundation and the courthouse was built around it. The restoration included as much of the original building as possible. The front and back steps are original and were cast at the Walla Walla Iron Works.
The second floor contains the offices of the Auditor, Treasurer, Assessor, and Superior Court. There are many authentic photographs on the walls.
The third floor contains the District/Municipal Court, the County Commissioners' Office and one of the most extraordinary and beautiful courtrooms to be found. Court is usually held two or three times a week. Restoration of the courtroom included the return to the original configuration of the courtroom, complete with balconies, cove ceilings and Italian chandeliers. The balconies are open for public use. The clock, judge's bench, jury chairs and benches are all original.
In 1915, two Confederate civil war mountain howitzers arrived from the United States War Department and were placed on display in the front courtyard on either side of the walkway.
The Columbia County courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Fingerprinting days and times can be found HERE.
Site last updated 05-08-08