County
Washington
Year Built
1876
Architect
Local craftsmen
National Register?
Yes, listed September 22, 1970
Status
Saved
Status Explanation
The Pioneer Courthouse was saved thanks to a mix of ownership transfer, foundation repairs, interior restoration, and a long-term tenant. In January 2026, Washington County officially took back ownership from St. George City and designated the courthouse as the headquarters of United We Pledge, a Utah nonprofit focused on civics and history education. United We Pledge president Dennis Leavitt and Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist announced the change in October 2025, and United We Pledge started using the courthouse that same month. A public ribbon-cutting took place on January 24, 2026, with civic officials, United We Pledge representatives, and community members attending. The long-term lease keeps the building in use and well cared for, directly solving the vacancy and maintenance issues that put it on the 2024 Most Endangered list.
About the Threat
The Pioneer Courthouse was threatened by both vacancy and ongoing structural deterioration.
When the Washington County Historical Society took over managing the building, there was no permanent tenant with the resources to keep up with maintenance. Without someone regularly using the space and bringing in revenue, maintenance was often put off. The sandstone foundation, which is a unique and important part of the building, had been slowly eroding for decades. Since there was no dedicated funding for repairs, this erosion was mostly ignored.
The main problem was that, even though St. George City cared about preserving the building, just owning it was not enough. The building needed an active tenant with a long-term commitment to its care and use. Across Utah, many historic civic buildings have been lost because public ownership alone did not provide the needed stewardship, and the Pioneer Courthouse was at risk of the same fate.
Being listed on the National Register did not protect the building from further deterioration. Federal listing does not require maintenance or make public owners fund preservation. Without a tenant, a clear use, or a way to generate revenue, the building’s future was truly uncertain, even though it was recognized as one of the oldest public buildings in southern Utah.
Access
The Pioneer Courthouse is open to the public as United We Pledge's headquarters. Visitors can take self-guided tours, learn about Washington County and American civic history, and join in United We Pledge's Give Me Liberty program and National Civics Bee activities.
History
The Pioneer Courthouse is open to the public as United We Pledge's headquarters. Visitors can take self-guided tours, learn about Washington County and American civic history, and join in United We Pledge's Give Me Liberty program and National Civics Bee activities.
What can be done? What was learned?
The Pioneer Courthouse shows that having the right tenant is just as important as having the right owner. St. George City owned the building for over 50 years and cared about preservation, but without a long-term tenant, keeping up with maintenance became too much. The answer was not just changing owners, but finding a stable owner and a strong tenant whose mission fits the building. United We Pledge's focus on civics education in this 150-year-old courthouse is a perfect match. This use gives the building purpose and gives the organization a home that supports its work. When a tenant's mission matches the building, preservation is more likely to last.
This case also shows how important it is for community and civic leaders to step in before a building is beyond saving. Washington County and St. George City worked together to clear up years of confusion about who owned the courthouse, leading to a quick and smooth transition to new management. This kind of teamwork between government groups is a good example for other historic public buildings in Utah facing similar problems.
What is the timeline?
Preservation Utah added the Pioneer Courthouse to the 2024 Most Endangered list to highlight its crumbling foundation and lack of a permanent tenant. In October 2025, United We Pledge started moving its headquarters into the building, and Washington County took back ownership from St. George City. A public ribbon-cutting took place on January 24, 2026. After the transfer, the foundation was stabilized, and restoration work preserved original features like wood floors, adobe, rafters, and beams.
What has been the public discussion?
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 24, 2026, brought together civic officials, United We Pledge representatives, and community members to celebrate the courthouse's return to public use. Washington County Commissioner Gil Almquist attended, showing the county's support for the building's new chapter. The move from vacancy to active use and long-term tenancy was welcomed by the St. George community. The Washington County Historical Society, which managed the building and led tours during uncertain times, helped keep the courthouse in the public eye during the transition.
Links to more information and articles.
St. George News, January 27, 2026 — ribbon-cutting ceremony coverage: https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/one-of-the-oldest-buildings-in-st-george-has-a-new-purpose/article_309f2f4e-5490-444f-8323-ccb6a5202fa4.html
KUTV, October 7, 2025 — United We Pledge headquarters announcement: https://kutv.com/features/fresh-living/united-we-pledge-opens-new-headquarters-to-expand-community-outreach-in-st-george-utah
United We Pledge: https://unitedwepledge.org
Washington County Historical Society — Pioneer Courthouse documentation: https://wchsutah.org/buildings/old-county-courthouse.php
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP #70000634): search NPS Gallery for Old Washington County Courthouse