Washoe County Courthouse

Reno was selected as the seat of Washoe County in 1871. Almost the very first order of business was to decide on a proper venue for the courthouse, and in July it was decided to build on an acre of land south of the Truckee River. Construction began in 1872 under contract to S. F. Hoole, and the building was completed at a cost of $20,500.

Today, the original Washoe County Courthouse still serves the local community as the site of the Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada. Also housed within the stately old building are the offices of the County Clerk and the Marriage Bureau. This is where business licenses are issued, court and public records are maintained, and the Board of County Commissioners meets.

The Washoe County Courthouse is located at 75 Court Street, Reno, Nevada 89501-1995. The County Clerk's office is open for business on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, with the marriage bureau opening an hour earlier and maintaining special weekend hours. Those with an interest in the preservation of the historic structure are encouraged to obtain membership in the Washoe County Courthouse Historical and Preservation Society. The cost is just $10.