“Brown County Wonder - The Courthouse Turns 100!”
(This exhibit was on display from June 11 thru August 30, 2004)

The Dacotah Prairie Museum celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the Brown County Courthouse  with  an exhibit that was on display   from June 11, 2004 thru August 30, 2004.   The exhibit was located on the 2nd floor of the Museum.

Included in the display was vintage pictures, both photographs and drawings of the original Courthouse as well as building of the present structure that was finished in 1904. Newspaper articles and pictures focused on the architectural features of the Courthouse as well as highlighting renovations through the years.

A separate section featured the history of the county seat including the battle between Columbia and Aberdeen for the right to host the county office. Historical stories about Courthouse were  donated by various county residents and were  included.

“In Service to the County” honored the elected officials who served Brown County through the years, by displaying their names on banners.

Historical documents such as the auction notices for the sale of the first courthouse building, the original plans and blueprints for the present structure, stories of the tower clock and the Grand Opening coverage were  part of the display.

An original gold plaster eagle from the first courtroom, a commemorative plate and 1909 promotional buttons along with commemorative silver spoons were  included. Boxes of notecards featuring the historic Courthouse were  for sale for only $1 in the Gift Shop.

To view other past exhibits, please click here.