First Courthouse

Martin County's first courthouse was erected in 1862, five years after being incorporated into the Minnesota Territory. The wooden log building was built at a cost of $200, which was raised by the county's 151 residents.

To protect the area from the events of the Sioux Uprising, which began earlier that year, a stockade was built around the building to serve as a mess hall for volunteers and troops of the 25^th Wisconsin. The stockade, which would become officially known as Fort Fairmount, completely enclosed the courthouse building.


With local conflicts waning, Fort Fairmount was eventually abandoned by troops and still served as a courthouse, church, general store, and post office until the second courthouse was built in 1882. It served as a courthouse for 20 years.

A tablet, located outside of the current courthouse, marks the site.