Ontonagon Old County Courthouse

Visited on: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Cost: Free
Text reads: "Exploring the Unexpected" in bold green letters on a beige background, like the first page of a travel journal.

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Exploring Lighthouses, Churches, and the Quincy Mine on the Keweenaw, plus Ashland, WI (Ep.0003)

As I drove through town to Lakeshore Park to see the shore of Lake Superior, the gloomy weather highlighted this ivy-covered building. I went around the block, knowing I had to stop and take some photographs.

A brick building is covered in lush green ivy, with the leaves climbing across the facade. A set of worn stone steps leads up to a large, arched, weathered wooden door painted in blue. The scene is surrounded by foliage, with an overcast sky in the background.

In many ways, the building felt like something one would find in a horror movie. I wish I could’ve gone inside and explored the dark corners of this building to discover its dark secrets.

The courthouse was originally built in 1886, showcasing the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Designed by the talented team of Charlton, Gilbert & Demar, the building featured striking details, including a two-story brick structure, sandstone foundation, tall double-hung windows, and a central entrance framed by a gabled pavilion. Its hipped roof was adorned with dormers and crowned with a stunning glass-roofed dome.

Surviving Tragedy

In 1896, a devastating fire swept through Ontonagon, reducing much of the town—including the courthouse—to ashes. However, the community salvaged the building’s sturdy brick walls and foundation. By redesigning and rebuilding its interior, they restored this symbol of their town’s resilience. A significant addition was later constructed in 1937, further enhancing its functionality.

Transition and Preservation

The courthouse served Ontonagon County for nearly a century until 1980 when a new courthouse was constructed. The original building ceased its governmental role but remained a cherished landmark. In 2016, it moved into private ownership, where it remains today.

Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Ontonagon Old County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 14, 1980. 

A white wooden sign for "Old County Courthouse A.D. 1886" stands beneath leafy trees. It states the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Landmark Corporation is mentioned. A red brick building is partially visible in the background, alongside a road.
Stone monument made of roughly shaped rocks with two metal plaques. The top plaque reads "In Memory of All Veterans" with a list of wars. The bottom plaque notes the use of stones from military missions. Situated on grass, near a brick building and under a tree.
Two metal plaques on a stone wall. The top plaque honors Thomas H. Wilcox, noting his collection of rock and copper specimens. The larger plaque below states the structure was built from Ontonagon County's historic mine rocks for a centennial celebration on July 24, 1940.
A red brick building is partially covered in green ivy. It has a teal door and window frames, with a stone foundation. The structure is surrounded by lush green trees, and a grassy lawn leads to the entrance. Several vehicles are parked in the background on the left.

The fact that it is in private ownership becomes fairly apparent walking around the building and noticing the rather interesting items on the grounds.

A weathered military vehicle is overgrown with moss and vines, parked on grass beside a red brick building. The camouflaged truck has a canvas-covered cargo area. Dense foliage partly obscures the building, and a tree is visible in the background.
An old, camouflaged military vehicle parked on grass, partially covered in green moss and lichens. It has visible rust and debris on the hood. In the background, there's a brick building with green ivy creeping up its walls and a small wooden shed on the left.
A weathered sailboat rests on a trailer, overgrown with vines, next to a red brick building. The boat's hull is worn and surrounded by grass, with bicycles and various items nearby. Trees with lush green leaves frame the scene, suggesting an outdoor, possibly neglected area.

I’m not sure if the building below was part of the courthouse grounds or another property, but it’s been taken over at least on the inside!

A brick building with a tall window partially covered by ivy. The window has a metal grid. Ivy climbs up the corner of the building, with green leaves standing out against the red bricks. A chain-link fence is in the foreground, and trees and grass are visible in the background.

And our photo of our intrepid Explorer!

A person with curly hair and glasses smiles in the foreground. Behind them is a historic brick building with a large, arched wooden door. Green ivy covers most of the wall. Trees and a grassy area are visible in the background. The sky is cloudy.
Dive Into More of Shea's Related Content
From: Michigan
Filed Under: Architectural Fascination, Discovered Treasures
Journal Entry Tags:
Boats & ShipsCourthousesDilapidatedMilitary Equipment
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