Pima County Courthouse, Tucson

The Pima County Courthouse is a historic building that once served as the main courthouse in the region. From its completion in 1929 through 1978 it was home to the Pima County Superior Court. After that point, and through early 2015, the courthouse was home to the Pima County Consolidated Justice Court.

Today, tourists can visit the Pima County Courthouse to see its Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial architectural details. The building recently underwent renovations that restored 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 notable on the outside. Visitors can enjoy the interior of the building while they visit the offices of the 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 well-known outlaws held in this building was gangster John Dillinger. Dillinger and his gang were caught in Tucson in 1934. Visitors can still learn about his capture and arraignment during their visit to the courthouse complex.

Dillinger wasn’t the only recognizable figure associated with the Pima County Courthouse. Stories involving actor Clark Gable and later actor Johnny Depp have become part of local lore, though details of these accounts remain unverified.

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