The Pioneer Courthouse is a federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon, United States. Built beginning in 1869, the structure is the oldest federal building in the Pacific Northwest, and the second-oldest west of the Mississippi River. Along with Pioneer Courthouse Square, it serves as the center of downtown Portland. It is also known as the Pioneer Post Office because a popular downtown Portland post office was, until 2005, located inside. The courthouse is one of four primary locations where the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit hears oral arguments. It also houses the chambers of the Portland-based judges on the Ninth Circuit.
The Pioneer Courthouse as viewed from Pioneer Courthouse Square after 2005 renovations.
Interior
The Pioneer Courthouse (Custom House and Post Office) in 1901
The Pioneer Courthouse at dusk in 2013
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square, also known as Portland's living room, is a public space occupying a full 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) city block in the center of downtown Portland, Oregon, United States. Opened in 1984, the square is bounded by Southwest Morrison Street on the north, Southwest 6th Avenue on the east, Southwest Yamhill Street on the south, and Southwest Broadway on the west.
Pioneer Courthouse Square, with Fox Tower in the background
A 1986 view, showing the fountain's original color and a banner for Powell's Travel Store
The square's surface is made up of bricks inscribed with the names of residents whose $15 donations in 1981–1982 helped fund its construction.
A panorama of Pioneer Courthouse Square from 2007