Restoration of the Historic Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza Fountain

About the Program

Category: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

The Yavapai County Courthouse located in Prescott, Arizona commemorated its Centennial on October 15, 2016. As the original state capital of Arizona following statehood on February 14, 1912, the Courthouse was honored by being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and recognized as one of the Great Places in America: Public Spaces by the American Planning Association in 2008.In 1910, an elegant fountain dubbed “Lady Ermintrude” was installed and graced the Courthouse Plaza for more than 60 years before falling into disrepair. In 1976, it was dismantled and placed in storage at a museum in Prescott.In 2016, as the Centennial of the laying of the cornerstone was approaching, County officials discovered the surviving Courthouse fountain components and a restoration project began. A foundry in Alabama that had the original patterns was commissioned and the missing and broken pieces were recast. County workers restored the basin to reflect its original 1910 style and the fountain was then reinstalled. A rededication ceremony was held on June 29, 2018 and “Lady Ermintrude” was unveiled to stand as a testament to the history of the Courthouse for generations to come. Your consideration of this historic preservation is appreciated.