Million Dollar Courthouse

Featuring original jail cells, an allegedly haunted courtroom, and unique exhibits, the Million Dollar Courthouse is a fascinating glimpse into Pioche’s Wild West history. Take a tour and find out for yourself how this storied property became a legendary attraction.

Silver mining was booming in Pioche in the 1870s, drawing thousands to what became one of the roughest towns in the West. In 1871, Pioche became the seat of Lincoln County, and plans to construct a courthouse and jail began. The original project budget was $26,000, but a combination of discounted bonds, cost overruns, mismanagement, kickbacks, and high interest rates led to a $670,000 debt by the end of the century. The debt was finally paid in 1938—four years after the building was condemned for being too dilapidated to use (and a new courthouse was being constructed). The total costs for what was originally known as the Lincoln County Courthouse reached close to $1 million.

The Million Dollar Courthouse Today

The Million Dollar Courthouse was left in a state of disrepair for almost 40 years until it was restored as a museum. In 1978, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, visitors can explore the two-story building and see mining artifacts, relics from Pioche’s wild past, and original jail cells behind the courthouse. The courtroom itself uses mannequins to stand in for the judge and jury, and some staff members have reportedly found the dummies to be in different positions than how they were left. After all, the Million Dollar Courthouse did issue verdicts and sentences back in the day, and it’s possible some of the recipients still have a bone to pick…