Coconino County Court

Circa 1940's postcard of the Coconino County Courthouse owned by Jean Walker

History of Coconino County and Courthouse:

Coconino County was created in 1891 by the 16th Territorial Assembly and was carved out of Yavapai County, with an initial population of 4,000.  Its name originated with the Havasupai Indians who once lived along the Little Colorado. The Hopi called them the "Kohnina", and it is believed that is where "Coconino" comes from. It was established from parts of Mohave and Yavapai counties. The county seat has always been in Flagstaff

The Coconino County Courthouse in Flagstaff was originally built in 1894, just a few years after the county was established. This historic red sandstone brick building has been expanded and renovated over the years and remains one of the city's oldest structures.

Key dates and events:

1891: Coconino County is formed from part of Yavapai County. 1894: The original sandstone courthouse is constructed.

1895: An early photograph of the courthouse was captured and is now part of the Arizona Historical Society collection.

1956–1979: Modern additions are added to the original structure, creating the larger building that stands today.

1972: The county builds a new government center elsewhere in Flagstaff, and the courthouse and adjacent jail fall into disuse.

1973: After nearly being torn down for a parking lot, private investors rescue the building, and it is added to the National Register of Historic Places. Post-1973: The building is renovated and converted into a mixed-use space, housing shops, a restaurant, a radio station, and an art gallery.

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