The Orange County Courthouse
Artist
Scott FitzGerald
Datec.1970
MediumPrint
Dimensions8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
ClassificationsPrintmaking
Credit LineGift of Dan and Cathy Thomas
Object number2020.017
DescriptionIn March 1970 the Old Orange County Courthouse became the 837th officially registered California state landmark. Built in 1900, it is the oldest existing courthouse in Southern California.The land on which the courthouse still stands was reserved for it more than 100 years ago by William F. Spurgeon when he laid out the townsite of Sant Ana. Spurgeon’s dream for this location as the county seat was in doubt in 1889, while disputes raged among Orange, Anaheim, and Santa Ana, all fighting for the distinction.
The Orange County Courthouse was built of res sandstone brought in from Arizona. As were many others erected during the turn of the century, it was placed in the center of a square block and surrounded with trees, shrubbery, and walks.
Thousands of court trials have been conducted here. Among those causing more than local interest were the trial of Bebe Daniels, silent-film star who was sentenced (and subsequently jailed) for speeding in 1921; and that of Buelah Overell, charged (and eventually acquitted) with the murder of her parents on their yacht in Newport Harbor.
This grand old building still sees duty as a repository for vital statistical records and as additional office space for county government. However, the main courthouse activities are now conducted in a new modern, multistory building in the Santa Ana Civic Center complex.
Written by the artist, Scott FitzGerald
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