Old Orange County Courthouse

The Old Orange County Courthouse is a judicial building in Santa Ana featuring granite and sandstone construction with arched windows and detailed stone carvings throughout. The structure spans multiple floors with rooms for court proceedings and exhibitions displaying regional history.

The building opened in 1901 as the county's first permanent judicial facility and served as the center of local government for more than 60 years. It later transitioned away from active court operations but remains preserved as a historical landmark.

The building houses the Orange County History Center, which displays exhibitions about the region's past and guides visitors through the area's development over time. The collections show how the community grew and changed through different periods.

The building is open for visits with guided tours available by appointment, and access follows weekday hours. Visitors should check ahead since the space occasionally hosts special events like ceremonies.

The courtroom on the third floor preserves its early 1900s appearance with original wooden furnishings and authentic architectural details from the building's opening era. This space gives a glimpse of how legal proceedings were conducted in that period.

Location: Santa Ana

GPS coordinates: 33.75021,-117.86917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00