We have been shown a draft for the proposed new Court House for the county of Scott. It is to be two stories high, exclusive of the basement, and sixty-four feet in length by forty-two in width. The plan is drawn by Mr. E. B. Hood, a young man resident of this county, of superior skill in architecture. The court room will be forty-one and a half by thirty-eight feet, and is estimated to cost about ten thousand dollars. It is to stand upon the public square in Shakopee, and will be, when completed, the finest edifice of the kind in the territory. It is to be built the coming spring – the basement is to be used as a county jail. The ground floor to be finished into the various offices used for county purposes. (Shakopee Independent, Wednesday, December 26, 1855, Page 2)
There is every reason to suppose, that the improvements in Shakopee, during the present summer, will exceed anything hitherto heard of. Let our officials assist the people in their efforts. Gentleman Commissioners, have a handsome Court House in Shakopee by next November. Have a decent, comfortable jail, and a suitable jailor’s residence. (The Valley Herald, Shakopee, Minnesota, Wednesday, May 6, 1857, Page 2)
The most noteworthy improvement now going forward is Shakopee, is the County Buildings. The energetic contractor, Mr. C. Barnes, has commenced the work in earnest, and is pushing it rapidly along. (The Republican Advocate, Shakopee, Minnesota, Saturday, August 15, 1857, Page 2)
We hear, that it is contemplation to call a meeting at an early day, for the purpose of taking steps, to finish the Court House by private subscription. The Board of Supervisors of the County, seem determined not to finish it, and in its present condition, it is an eye-sore to the city. (Scott County Democrat, Shakopee, Minnesota, Saturday, April 9, 1859, Page 3)
We ar (are) very much pleased to hear, that work has been commenced on our Court House, and there is a fair prospect, that the building will be completed before winter comes in. the work is entirely done by private subscriptions – some of our citizens furnishing material – others money – while others are doing the work. (Scott County Democrat, Saturday, October 1, 1859, Page 3)
It is a source of gratification to every one to see our court house approaching completion. The wings are nearly covered and the whole building begins to assume a neat and handsome appearance. Go on gentlemen with the good work, and let us have the building ready for the new democratic officers who will be elected on Tuesday next. (Scott County Democrat, Saturday, October 8, 1859, Page 3)
The Court House we understand is nearly enclosed, the windows will be put in during the coming week. We also learn that the subscriptions are about worked out. More means will have to be raised to complete this building. (Scott County Democrat, Saturday, November 26, 1859, Page 3)
The Scott County Court House at Shakopee is sufficiently completed to admit of being occupied; and the present term of the District Court, which commenced on Monday the 16th, is being held in it. (The Stillwater Messenger, April 24, 1860, Page 2)
The first measures were taken May 11, 1856, toward the erection of county buildings on the site donated by Holmes and Fuller, and accepted by the county board more than two years previous, plans which were drawn by John M. Keeler, August 22d $2,000 was voted to commence building. It was not until July 24th of the following year (1857) that the proposal of Comfort Barnes was accepted. (History of the Minnesota Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Rev. Edward D. Neill, North Star Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 1882, Page 295)
Much difficulty was experienced in obtaining the means necessary for the completion of the county buildings, for discount and extras had made sad inroads on the appropriation. It was even suggested that the buildings in their incomplete state be sold and the avails be appropriated to discharge part of the heavy liabilities of the county, which was almost bankrupt. At the session of the legislature in 1859 an act was passed to change the county seat to Jordan. Anticipating this measure, in the fall of 1858 strenuous measures were instituted by the citizens of Shakopee, and by means of private subscription the unfinished buildings were enclosed and the county officers located therein, although in small and inconvenient quarters. By these measures the change was overruled and Shakopee continued as the county seat. Improvements were made in 1864, 1867 and 1873 in the county buildings, which developed them into their present convenient and commodious quarters, and the cells of the jail were made secure. (History of the Minnesota Valley, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Rev. Edward D. Neill, North Star Publishing Company, Minneapolis, MN, 1882, Page 295)
The Court House is described as a three story brick building; but it is not a three story brick building. The main building has two stories of (Shakopee) brick and a stone basement story, and the wings where the Treasurer’s office and office of Register of Deeds are, are only one story, with a basement. (The Shakopee Argus, Thursday, October 24, 1867, Page 1)
Shakopee is the county seat of Scott County, and the county building, a large brick building with a wing on each side, is located here. (Shakopee Argus, Thursday, October 8, 1874, Page 1)
Shakopee. Between the years 1879 and 1883 the court house was enlarged; four large fire proof vaults built; the court house square terraced and walled; all at an aggregate cost of not less than $8,000. Again, during this period of four years a jail and jailer’s residence were erected… (Scott County Argus, Thursday, July 29, 1886, Page 4)
The following is taken from the quarterly report of the Minnesota State Board of Charities and Corrections: Sept. 13 the Scott county jail was visited by the secretary. This is a good jail, as jails go. The cage is of Bristol steel, manufactured by J. Lewis Plau Jr., Quincy, Ill. The walls of the jail are of brick, and no dependence is placed upon them for security. The hail was clean and well kept. Sheets and pillow cases are provided for prisoners. There is good ventilation, and good water supply. Two rows of cells, back to back, provide for partial separation, and a room up stairs is provided for women and boys. The jail reflects great credit upon Scott county. Four dollars per week is paid the sheriff for the board and washing of each prisoner. The jail and sheriff’s residence cost about eleven thousand dollars. (Scott County Argus, Shakopee, Thursday, January 15, 1885, Page 4)