[2] The village of Houghton was designated the county seat, and a frame structure was erected in 1862 to serve as the courthouse.

However, the booming copper industry in the Keweenaw quickly swelled the populace of Houghton County, and a new courthouse was planned to demonstrate the area's prosperity.

[3] Extensive restoration of the courthouse was performed in the 1970s[2] and later in 2003-2004,[5] and the building continues to house government offices.

Sweatt made use of local materials in his design of the courthouse, using red sandstone trim and a copper roof.

[4] The interior of the courthouse was designed by Charles Eastlake of England, using heavy, elaborately decorated plaster and woodwork.