Cascade County was created in 1887, prompting celebration in the streets of Great Falls. Named the county seat, Great Falls grew quickly, and county offices operated in various downtown buildings. In 1891 voters approved the purchase of an entire city block for a future courthouse, but lack of funds and taxable population delayed construction until 1901. Architects H. N. Black and Frank Longstaff designed the courthouse in what they called pure French Renaissance with slight modifications. Built of grey sandstone quarried nearby, it was dedicated on July 4, 1903. Its interior detail reflects the skill of the union craftsmen who fashioned it, and its landscaped grounds honor Great Falls founder Paris Gibson, who strongly advocated trees and parkland. Although the architects planned a dome made primarily from stone, it was built entirely of copper. Topped by the Statue of Justice, the dome was used during World War II by lookouts guarding against possible Japanese air attacks. The courthouse continues to serve Cascade County citizens today.