Known as the "jewel" of downtown Prescott, the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza is the heart of the historic district. For more than 140 years, this square has served as a gathering place.
It’s not the original courthouse though. In fact, it’s the third.
From 1867 to 1878, the county rented space inside a wood-framed building on Cortez.
Then in 1878, an official brick courthouse was built, adorned with an 800 pound bell on top.
In 1916, after Arizona statehood in 1912, the brick courthouse was torn down and construction began on the current courthouse.
Built using 57,000 tons of solid granite, it was made to last.
We got a chance to go on an off-limits tour of the beautiful building. First stop, the basement!
“We actually took a picture of this and put it in our museum because people don’t get to come down here," said Shelly Bacon, Yavapai County Deputy Court Administrator.
The basement houses the original boiler from 1916.
“There’s a tunnel here that goes all the way around the bottom of the courthouse," said Bacon.
Speaking of rumored underground tunnels.
“This is probably where these rumors stemmed," said Bacon.
With the flip of a light switch, you'll discover a bomb shelter-looking tunnel. The end of the tunnel is now sealed, but possibly once served as an underground escape tunnel.
A flight of stairs takes you to the museum, where you’ll find old photos, artifacts and incredible stories. Like one about an old inmate transport elevator car that's on display.
“When they were shorthanded and didn't have enough detention officers, they would park this car with inmates in it in-between floors," said Bacon.
The courthouse features eight courtrooms. But up on the third floor, you’ll find the original historic courtroom from 1916.
“This is all original seating and the original bar," said Bacon.
The old chairs still have wire cowboy hat racks underneath.
The fourth floor is where the jail used to be, but now just has more courtrooms.
Next up, the roof, which is a treacherous climb!
Old brick chimneys, wooden catwalks and the inner workings of the large clocks that adorn all four sides can be seen in the attic.
Up one more ladder and through a hatch is the best view of Prescott!
“You are seeing a view that not many have seen," said Bacon.
360 degree views! And remember that 800 pound bell from the old brick courthouse? It’s one of the few remnants of the building and is still in use today.
From top to bottom, inside and out, it’s no wonder this building is the crown jewel of Prescott.