A courthouse was authorized for the City of Brainerd by the Legislature in 1872, and 25-year, seven per cent bonds in the amount of $30,000 were issued for construction

The court house on Fourth Street served for 30 years, later becoming an apartment house.

A courthouse, jail and sheriff's residence on Fourth and Laurel were constructed in 1912. Earlier, in 1870, when the county seat, was moved here, L. P. White was authorized to build a jail on Fifth Street between Laurel and Maple which he did for a cost of $971.60. The 18x28 building was two stories and provided for six cells, sheriff's office and courtroom.