Ritzville is located in the northeastern corner of the county at the junction of I-90 and US 395, making it a popular stop for travelers.

The Governor of Washington Territory approved the proposed Adams County Articles of Incorporation on November 28, 1883.

By 1885 the county offices were established, in a wood-frame house purchased for the purpose in Ritzville.

The growing population justified a purpose-built courthouse, so construction began on February 23, 1892, for a two-story brick building with a tower and a basement.

1905 - "A number of officials also appeared before the board [of county commissioners] and asked that an addition be built to the courthouse for the accommodation of the auditor and treasurer who require more room on account of the increase in business."

The architectural firm of Preusse and Zittel of Spokane began drawing plans for the proposed addition in March 1905.

Adams County Commissioners (Joseph M. Batten, Henry J. Allert and Fred Kembel) approved the new addition in May 1905.

They let the wheatfields lie fallow in alternate years, holding sufficient moisture to raise profitable crops.

The county's population decreased significantly during the first half of the twentieth century, dropping by nearly five thousand from 1910 to 1940.

George W. Bush won the county by over 40 points both times he ran.

The last Democratic candidate for governor to carry Adams County was Clarence D. Martin in 1936.

[22] The last Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate to win the county was Henry M. Jackson in 1982.

[23] In the 2008 presidential election, John McCain received 66.32% of the county's vote.

Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi received 69.83% of the county's vote.

The county also gave Republican representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers 82.45% of the vote.

Republican Sam Reed received 74.6% of the county's vote in his run for re-election as Washington Secretary of State, Republican Allan Martin received 67.25% of the vote for state treasurer, and Republican Rob McKenna received 76.28% in his re-election run for attorney general.

All county positions for which candidates were affiliated with parties were won by Republicans.

The building was built by the Spokane firm of Burnham and Clapp and completed by August 20, 1891, when it was accepted by the county.

A two-story addition was added to the front in 1905 with a new four-story tower, giving the courthouse a whole new appearance.

Amber Waves and Undertow -Peril, Hope, Sweat, and Downright Nonchalance in Dry Wheat Country- a book written by Steve Turner and published by the University of Oklahoma Press 2009 - ISBN 978-0-8061-4005-6