Pima County Courthouse, Tucson

51

Pima County Courthouse, Tucson

Pima County Courthouse, Tucson

The Pima County Courthouse is a historical building that once served as the main courthouse in the region. From 1930 through 1977 it was home to the Pima County Superior Court. After that point, and through 2015, the courthouse was home to the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court.

Today, tourists in Tucson can visit the Pima County Courthouse to marvel at the Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Architecture. The building recently underwent renovations that transformed the building to its original adobe color. Previously, the building was known for the pink paint, which was applied in the early 1950s.

The courthouse isn't just beautiful on the outside. Tourists can enjoy the interior of the building while they visit the offices of Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center, which are open daily.

The Pima County Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most famous outlaws to be tried in this building was gangster John Dillinger. Dillinger and his gang were caught in Tucson in 1934. For four days, visitors were able to pay a fee to walk by the cell to catch a glimpse of the infamous gangster.

Dillinger wasn't the only famous face to grace the halls of the Pima County Courthouse. Actor Clark Gable was tried at the courthouse and found guilty of negligence in a car accident. Some 40 years later, actor Johnny Depp also faced a traffic violation in the courthouse.

The building has also been used for films, including the 1976 version of "A Star is Born" and the 1980 comedy "Stir Crazy."

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tucson. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51 App

Pima County Courthouse on Map

Sight Name: Pima County Courthouse
Sight Location: Tucson, USA (See walking tours in Tucson)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Tucson, Arizona

Create Your Own Walk in Tucson

Create Your Own Walk in Tucson

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tucson is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tucson Downtown Walking Tour

Tucson Downtown Walking Tour

Known as “The Old Pueblo” and “Optics Valley,” Tucson, Arizona, is "America's biggest small town" boasting a rich history and global recognition for its contributions to optical science and telescope technology.

The Spanish name, Tucson, is derived from the Uto-Aztecan language, meaning "at the foot of the black hill" – a nod to Sentinel Peak's basalt...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
University of Arizona Walking Tour

University of Arizona Walking Tour

Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona (U of A) was the first university in the state, and so far has been the only representative from the state of Arizona in the Association of American Universities.

The U of A campus in Tucson proudly showcases a number of landmarks, each with its own story and unique allure. Among these, the Old Main building, an architectural gem, completed in 1891,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tucson Architecture Walking Tour

Tucson Architecture Walking Tour

Just as any city is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims, Tucson's architectural landscape bears witness to the city's profound historical narrative and cultural melange.

From the majestic belfries of the Saint Augustine Cathedral, adorned with the Spanish Colonial Revival-style opulence, to the resplendent Scottish Rite Cathedral (also known as the Masonic...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles