The Federal Building of Moscow, Idaho
A rare glimpse into building an iconic brick building in Moscow, Idaho. This series chronicles the construction over 19 months from bare dirt to open doors.
The Moscow Federal Building
This image shows the last time that this site was bare dirt. The federal government built a brick Post Office and Courthouse on this site from 1910-1911. This photo series shows the progression of building this marvelous structure and how its progression changed the landscape of Moscow, Idaho.
Construction materials begin to arrive for the Federal Building in Moscow, Idaho (1910-03-12) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
In March of 1910 site work begins as the snow melts. This image shows earthwork beginning and materials arriving.
Building site of the Moscow, Idaho Post Office and Courthouse from the North West. (1910-04-14) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Workers standing in front of a brickpile (1910-05-23) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
By May of 1910 bricks and lumber had arrived as well as a portable engine. The foundation forms are being made and poured.
Beginning to construct the first floor of the Moscow, Idaho Post Office and Courthouse (1910-07-07) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
With the foundation poured, first floor construction can begin. July, 1910.
First floor brick construction of the Moscow, Idaho Post Office and Courthouse (1910-08-02) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Cranes move materials onto the construction site. Window forms are in place held in place by support boards. August, 1910.
Construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office second story (1910-09-02) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
The first floor brickwork nears completion in September of 1910.
Second floor construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1910-10-04) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
With the first story complete, construction moves upwards to the second floor. October 1910.
Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office second story construction (1910-10-04) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
In October of 1910 the second floor window forms are in place. October, 1910.
Bricklayers forming the top decorations on the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1910-11-02) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Detailed brick work on the roof begins construction in November of 1910.
Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office under construction (1910-12-01) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office in the snow (1911-01-04) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Upper detail being prepared with structural loops. Windows are being installed. January 1911.
Construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1911-02-03) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
The courthouse as it looked in February of 1911
Construction of the Courthouse and Post Office in Moscow, Idaho (1911-03-03) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Construction debris at the construction site of the Moscow, Idaho Post Office and Courthouse (1911-04-03) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
The upper decorative cap has been completed around the building. April, 1911.
Construction site of the Moscow, Idaho Post Office and Courthouse (1911-05-01) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Construction around the base of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1911-06-03) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
After the building has been sealed up, work is being done inside the structure. June, 1911.
Construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1911-07-01) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Construction of the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1911-08-01) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Cleaning up the building and construction site around the Moscow, Idaho Courthouse and Post Office (1911-09-01) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
Completed Courthouse and Post Office in Moscow, Idaho (1911-10-04) by Unknown PhotographerLatah County Historical Society
The Federal Building still stands, in 1974 the City of Moscow purchased the building for use as their city hall. In 2019 the building still stands for this purpose.
The Federal Building of Moscow, Idaho was developed by the Latah County Historical Society.
Zachary Wnek, Museum Curator, Latah County Historical Society, developed this exhibition for the Google Cultural Institute.
All digital materials used in this exhibition are copyright the Latah County Historical Society (LCHS). Original materials can be found at the LCHS office and are available for research.
