|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
One of Redwood City’s most impressive buildings is the San Mateo County Historical Museum, (formally the San Mateo County Courthouse) located on Broadway between Hamilton Street and Middlefield Road. Across from the Fox Theater, this magnificent well-preserved structure is over a century old. Yet, in spite of being over 100 years old, it isn’t the first courthouse to adorn the Redwood City landscape. It’s actually the fourth.
Courthouse Timeline
The first courthouse was built in 1858 on the same spot the current courthouse is located. It was called The Old Gristmill Courthouse. In 1868 an earthquake destroyed the second story, so a new courthouse was built, which opened in 1882.
It was called the “Justice Courthouse,” because it had a large wooden statue of Lady Justice on the roof overlooking the entrance. Sadly, her statue didn’t last very long, as woodpeckers took a liking to it and destroyed it. The city’s growth eventually rendered this facility inadequate, which meant a new, larger courthouse was needed.
In 1904 the cornerstone for a third courthouse was laid directly behind the Justice Courthouse. This one was much larger, and built around a magnificent multi-story rotunda made from steel, with glass inserts. As work progressed items from the Justice courthouse were moved in. Construction took 18 months and cost $125,000.
Earthquake
In 1906 time grew near for the new courthouse to open for business. However, in April a massive earthquake struck the Bay Area, which virtually destroyed the soon to open courthouse. Countless other structures throughout the Bay Area were also destroyed, especially in San Francisco. Just about the only part of the courthouse left standing was the steel rotunda.
Plans went into effect to reconstruct it. Delayed by red tape, the rebuilt fourth courthouse was finished in May of 1910. The official dedication took place on July 4.
In 1939 a large addition was added, however after the 1989 earthquake this addition was raised. While some remodeling and reinforcement has taken place, this venerable building remains a crown jewel among the numerous historical structures in Redwood City.
On December 13, 1977 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Everything else is just history
Some of the photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City’s best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City’s development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
