Ravalli County is named for Anthony Ravalli, who was a Jesuit missionary who arrived in the area in 1845.
Surrounding County Courthouses:
N – Missoula County
E – Granite County and Deer Lodge County
S – Beaverhead County and Lemhi County, Idaho
W – Idaho County, Idaho
Created: February 16, 1893 
County Seat:
Stevensville 1893 – 1898
Hamilton 1898 – present
County Courthouse – Hamilton
Location: 205 Bedford Street / South 2nd Street
Built: 1975 – 1976
Style: Modern
Architect: Howland and Associates
Contractor: Pew Construction Company
Description: The building faces north and is a one story brown colored concrete and glass structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Hamilton with the old courthouse on the west side. The building forms a “T” with the center section extending east. The south wing is two stories. A wide band follows the roof line. The building houses the County District Court of the 21st Judicial District.
Old County Courthouse – Hamilton
Location: SE – Bedford Street / South 3rd Street
Built: 1900 – 1901
Style: Italianate
Architect: A J Gibson
Contractor: Charles Stabern of Helena
Description: The building faces north and is a two story red colored brick and stone structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Hamilton. The main entrance is at the north front of the building. The northwest corner has a tiered square brick tower rising to a block dome with small cupola at the top. The roof is sloped. The large courtroom is located on the second story.
See: National Register of Historic Places – Old Ravalli County Courthouse
History: The county was created in 1893 and Stevensville was selected as the county seat. The county seat was moved to Hamilton in 1898. The first courthouse was constructed in 1900 to 1901 at a cost of $19,750. The second and present courthouse was constructed in 1975 to 1976.
County Courthouse – Hamilton
Old County Courthouse – Hamilton
Photos taken 2009