[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 160 (Tuesday, September 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OLD MERCED COUNTY COURTHOUSE

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                             HON. ADAM GRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  Mr. GRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th 
Anniversary of the Old Merced County Courthouse, the city's premier 
landmark.
  In 1855, the first Merced County ``courtroom'' was under overhanging 
oak trees on the banks of Mariposa Creek. Two years later, Merced 
County's first official courthouse was built in Snelling, which had 
become the locus of county activity due to its proximity to the Merced 
River.
  In 1872, a special election made Merced the official county seat 
because the Central Pacific Railroad had laid tracks through Merced. 
The railroad donated the parcel of land where the Old Courthouse now 
stands which also made Merced the more desirable choice as a political 
center. The beautiful park surrounding the courthouse was sold to 
Merced County for merely a dollar with the provision that the land 
should be used for ``the enjoyment of the people.''
  In 1875, at a cost of $55,970 ($1.6 million in 2025 dollars) Merced's 
grand courthouse was completed, built by A.W. Burrell and Company of 
Oakland. The magnificent building was designed by Albert A. Bennett 
(1825 to 1890) who also designed the California State Capitol and 
Fresno's courthouse. Bennett later served as California State Architect 
from 1876 to 1883.
  The courthouse was an Italian Renaissance-style structure, designed 
to resemble an Italian palazzo, with a cupola and a balcony. In 
addition to its use as a court of law, the courthouse also once housed 
the Sheriff's office and jail, Tax Collector, County Superintendent of 
School, Board of Supervisors' chamber as well as many judges and 
lawmakers. Its gorgeous surrounding Courthouse Park features a huge 
variety of mature trees.
  The 2025 renovation marks the second time the Courthouse has been 
renovated in its 150-year history. The first renovation took place in 
1975 when it was necessary to maintain its structural integrity. The 
cost to complete the current required refurbishing was approximately 
$3.3 million which will preserve the Courthouse Museum's exterior shell 
and prevent further decay.
  The three-story Courthouse has served as Merced's historical museum 
since 1983. The official ``unshrouding'' and reopening of the 
refurbished courthouse takes place on October 4, 2025, with an 
elaborate community-wide celebration. The museum will simultaneousjy 
unveil a new exhibit, titled ``Old Courthouse: 150 Years, 150 
Stories.''
  Museum Director Sarah Lim said, ``The Courthouse is a living history 
that helps to tell the story of who we are, where we came from, and how 
we got here. For the past 150 years, this historic Courthouse has gone 
through its share of triumphs and struggles, but continues to be a 
center of learning, a symbol of justice, and the heart of our 
community. We rededicate this historic Courthouse to celebrate our 
county's rich history, recognize our community's resilience, and honor 
the legacy of our county's pioneers.''
  Please join me in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the landmark 
Old Merced County Courthouse.

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