Built in 1901, the Garfield County Courthouse is a beautiful brick-and-stone structure tucked away in the southeast corner of our state.  Garfield County citizens are justly proud of their historic courthouse, which is the third-oldest in the state that is still in use.  The current building replaced a frame structure that burned down the previous year, destroying with it much of the local business area.  Fortunately, two fireproof vaults containing the records of the Auditor, Clerk and Assessor were preserved, and the vaults remain in use to this day.
     The brick and stone used in the construction of this spectacular courthouse came from the Valentine area of Garfield County near the Snake River.  Designed by Charles Burggraf of Oregon, and built by August Ilse of Spokane, the structure was erected for a bargain price of $18,783.  In 1966, this unique, turn-of-the-century building was registered as a National Historic Place.  The statue on the front lawn depicts Samuel Cosgrove, who was the only Garfield County resident to become Governor of our state.
     The courthouse is located in Pomeroy, a small town of approximately 1,407 citizens situated near the picturesque Blue Mountains and Snake River.  In addition to hosting the county fair & rodeo, there are numerous outdoor activities including hunting and fishing.  Of note is Pomeroy's annual Tumbleweed Festival, which was known for its groundhog races until local animal rights groups successfully lobbied for the elimination of the event.