Owyhee County is named for the Hawaiian fur trappers who explored the area in 1819 and 1820.
Created: December 31, 1863
County Seat:
Ruby City 1863 – 1867
Silver City 1867 – 1934
Murphy 1934 – present
County Courthouse – Murphy
Location: Highway 78 / Idaho Street
Built: 1935 – 1936
Style: Moderne / Art Deco
Architect: Tourtellotte & Hummel of Boise
Contractor: Jepson and Lowe
Description: The building faces northeast and is a one story red-orange colored brick and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds. The northeast front of the building has a central entrance flanked by concrete trim.. The roof line is flat.
Note: The previous courthouse was built in Silver City.
County Criminal Justice Center – Murphy
Location: Highway 78 / Hailey Street
Built: 1991 – 1992
Style: Moderne
Architect: Lombard-Conrad Architects of Boise
Contractor: The Russell Company and Wensel Construction Inc.
Description: The building faces northeast and is a one story red-orange colored brick and concrete structure. The northeast front of the building has a central entrance flanked by concrete trim.. The roof line is flat. The building adjoins the courthouse on the west side.
Courthouses:
N – Canyon County, Ada County and Elmore County
S – Elko County, Nevada
W – Malheur County, Oregon
Photos taken 2012 and 2015