LEWISTON, ID – Nez Perce County is officially transitioning its court proceedings to a new $50.6 million courthouse, and with this move comes the preservation of a piece of Idaho’s judicial history.

Lewiston, which briefly served as Idaho’s territorial capital in the early 1860s, has long been an important center for legal and governmental activity. In 1904, the Idaho Supreme Court established a library and other facilities in Lewiston, where the justices used a distinctive curved wooden bench. The bench became a key symbol of early legal proceedings in north Idaho.

In 1954, when the appellate court facilities were no longer in use, the bench was moved to the Nez Perce County Courthouse, where it continued to be used and preserved Idaho’s judicial heritage.

As part of the transition to the new courthouse, the historic bench (below), along with a similarly historic courtroom railing and gates, will be removed, restored, and relocated to Courtroom 1 of the new facility. The preservation work is expected to begin next week, following a hearing held Thursday afternoon in the old courthouse by Administrative District Judge Mark Monson — the final court hearing in the building.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this important moment in Idaho’s judicial history. The restoration and relocation of the historic Supreme Court bench not only honors the legacy of those who came before us but also preserves a meaningful piece of our state’s legal heritage,” said Judge Monson after the proceeding.

The bench was believed to date back to the early use by the Idaho Territorial Supreme Court. Court filings this week indicate that it can at least be traced to 1904, when the Idaho Supreme Court building was established.

“This bench has borne witness to over 100 years of legal proceedings, from people’s worries to their joy,” said Nez Perce County Clerk Patty Weeks. “I’m glad that in a building developed to serve the public’s modern needs, we can continue this connection to our past.”

“Preserving this bench is more than a nod to history — it’s a reminder of the enduring principles of justice that continue to guide our courts today,” said Roland Gammill, Second District trial court administrator.

The Idaho Supreme Court also expressed its gratitude. “The Idaho Supreme Court extends its sincere thanks to Nez Perce County and the Second Judicial District for their thoughtful preservation of this historic bench and for incorporating it into the beautiful new courthouse,” said Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan. “This gesture honors our state’s legal heritage while serving the needs of today’s citizens.”

Once all departments have moved into the new 86,000-square-foot courthouse, the old courthouse will be vacated and demolished. The property will then be redeveloped into a parking area.

As departments transition to the new courthouse, the following office closures are scheduled:

Department Closure Schedule:

• Auditor/Recorder

  • Closed: June 16th – June 19th

  • Reopening: June 20th

• Auto License

  • Closed: June 18th – June 19th

  • Reopening: June 20th

Departments Now Open to the Public in the New Courthouse:

• Assessor: 1st Floor

• Board of County Commissioners: 3rd Floor

• District Court: 2nd Floor

• Emergency Communications 911: 3rd Floor

• Emergency Management: 3rd Floor

• Planning & Building: 3rd Floor

• Prosecutors: 3rd Floor

• Treasurer: 1st Floor