During the early years of statehood, courthouse buildings in North Dakota were small, quickly erected wooden structures or, in some cases, empty, unused corners of existing buildings. It wasn’t until county seats became more established that larger, more prominent courthouses were constructed on the northern Plains.

In 1911, Pembina County officially selected Cavalier as its county seat. Plans for a permanent courthouse were already underway, with the county calling on one of the most successful architectural teams of their time, Charles Buechner and Henry Orth, whose firm specialized in movie theaters and courthouses throughout the upper Midwest.

Buechner and Orth’s designs were heavily influenced by the Beaux Arts Style, which was a combination of classical Greek and Roman architecture, with a bit of Renaissance flair. The designs were formal, complete with elaborate details and symmetry, making it a perfect choice for museums, libraries, and courthouses. One glimpse at the Pembina County Courthouse and you’ll notice the intricate sculptural decorations, arched door frame, and stately columns. If you are familiar with Buechner and Orth designs, you may also note the absence of a central dome, making it the only courthouse designed by the Beaux Arts Dream Team without one.

The Pembina County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and is one of twelve courthouses designed by Buechner and Orth across North Dakota. The courthouse is still utilized today and is an elegant fixture in the town of Cavalier.