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The Hill County Courthouse is a governmental building located in Havre, Montana, USA.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed from sandstone and concrete, the courthouse stands three stories tall. Its architectural style is Neoclassical Revival, characterized by a prominent central portico with Doric columns, a pediment, and decorative cornices. The exterior walls are a light tan color, with darker stone accents around the windows and at the base.

Location & Access Logistics

The Hill County Courthouse is situated at 315 Third Street, Havre, Montana. It is located in the central business district, approximately 0.3km west of the main intersection of US Highway 2 and US Highway 87. Ample street parking is available on Third Street and surrounding avenues. The Havre Area Transit bus system has a stop within a two-block radius of the courthouse.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Hill County Courthouse was completed in 1910. The architect was George H. Shanley, and it was built to serve as the administrative center for Hill County. Its original purpose was to house county government offices, including the courthouse, jail, and sheriff's department.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the building's exterior architecture. Interior access is limited to public areas during business hours for official county business. The building houses the Hill County Clerk and Recorder's office, the County Attorney's office, and the District Court.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided in public waiting areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the building. No food vendors are located directly within the courthouse; however, several cafes and restaurants are within a 0.5km radius.

Best Time to Visit

For exterior photography, morning light provides optimal illumination on the eastern facade. The courthouse is accessible during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that the courthouse was constructed using local materials, including sandstone quarried from the nearby Bear Paw Mountains. Local lore suggests that during its construction, a time capsule was buried beneath the cornerstone, though its exact contents and location are not publicly documented.

Nearby Landmarks

• Havre Beneath the Streets (0.4km Northwest)
• Hill County Museum (0.6km Northeast)
• Great Northern Railway Depot (0.7km West)
• Fresno Reservoir (12km Southwest)