Plumas County

This month’s selection, the Plumas County Courthouse in California.

In 1919-1921 Plumas County built a monumental Classical courthouse in the county seat of Quincy, pop. 1580. Framed by mountain ranges including the Sierras and the nearby Plumas National Forest, the area is a mecca for hiking, mountain biking and cycling. The Classical courthouse style was popular in America in the early 20th Century. The design typically draws inspiration from Greek and Roman styles and is intended to convey a sense of authority. This courthouse is most notable for its four story atrium, overall size and Tuolomne blue and grey marble, accented with Tennessee pink marble throughout three of the four floors.

In 1919 a flush Plumas County expected to benefit from long term gold mining, an expectation that fell short over time. At the outset the courthouse was viewed as so exorbitant that citizens considered recalling the board of supervisors who had approved the building and budget. Source: Barry Gossett, Brief History of Plumas Co. Courthouse.

A unique local tradition is that each May the courthouse serves as the host of Quincy High School’s Senior Prom. A red carpet is rolled out from the street to the courthouse’s front door. Seniors are allowed to walk and dance on the first and second floors. Department 1’s grand courtroom, which dominates the third floor, is closed for the evening. The fourth floor originally housed the jail and now is home to the District Attorney’s office. A remnant of a jail door stands near the mezzanine on the fourth floor overlooking the atrium. Departments 2 and 3, which handles minor matters, are in small courtrooms on the first floor off the main entrance.

There has been pressure by the State of California for Plumas County to move its court facilities to a new building. Many townspeople want to keep the beautiful hundred-and-five-year-old courthouse on Main Street in the heart of Quincy.

Thanks to Plumas County Court Security Officer Frank Smith and Judge Douglas Prouty for access to the courtroom and to my architect friend Richard Springwater for guidance on classic architecture.