Madison County Courthouse in Winterset

Madison County was named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.

Madison County’s first courthouse was a hewn log structure completed in 1850. Besides court business, it also served as a school and church.

The second courthouse was a two-story stone structure, built in 1869, but destroyed by fire in 1875.

Madison County’s current courthouse is an Italianate Classic Revival design by Andrew H. Piquenard, who also designed the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines. Constructed in 1876 using local limestone, the structure forms a Greek cross. It features a tall silver dome. The Madison County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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Fayette County Courthouse in West Union

Fayette County was named for Marquis de Lafayette, a French general and statesman who helped the American Colonies in the Revolutionary War.

Fayette County’s first courthouse was a two-story brick and stone building constructed in 1857. It burned in 1872 when a prisoner set fire to the building during his escape.

The second brick courthouse was built in 1874, with several additions over the years. It burned in 1922.

Fayette County’s current courthouse is a Beaux Arts design by J. G. Ralston. Completed in 1923, the three-story structure was built with gray Bedford stone and features a solid bronze entrance. The Fayette County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Hamilton County Courthouse in Webster City

Hamilton County was named for William W. Hamilton, a president of the Iowa state senate who was influential in the creation of the county.

Hamilton County’s first courthouse was a two-story temporary structure completed in 1866, and used by the county until 1877, when it was moved and used as a residence.

A three-story brick and stone courthouse with a mansard roof was designed by architects Street and Baker. Completed in 1877, it featured a tall tower, which was later removed. It was condemned in 1974.

Webster County’s current courthouse is a split level design by Smith, Voorhees, Jensen and Associates. Constructed with brick, concrete, and faced with black Georgia stone, it was completed in 1976.

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Bremer County Courthouse in Waverly

Bremer County was named for Fredricka Bremer, a Swedish novelist.

Bremer County’s first courthouse was a small frame building built in Waverly in 1854, and served the county until 1857.

1857 a two-story brick Greek Revival courthouse with a dome was built. All the lumber, stone, and brick used in its construction came from the county. It did not have a vault, so in 1870 a fireproof brick building was built adjacent to safely store county records.

Bremer County’s current courthouse is a PWA Moderne design by Mortimer B. Cleveland. Constructed in 1937 with pressed brick and trimmed with stone, the courthouse is three stories high at the center, and two stories high on each wing. The Bremer County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon

Allamakee County was named for either Allan Makee, a trapper and trader, or a name of Native American origin.

A log house built in 1852 served as the first courthouse. Used for one year for county business, it was later moved and used as a blacksmith shop.

In 1853, a small frame building was erected in Waukon. A second frame building was placed beside it in 1857, and these two buildings served as the county courthouse until 1861.

During a fight for the county seat, two buildings were built in 1861 with communities offering to donate the building to the county as the courthouse. Waukon built a two-story brick. In 1861, Columbus and Lansing built a two-story stone courthouse at “The Point” between the towns. The county seat was located at “The Point” from 1861-1867.

The county seat was returned to Waukon following an 1867 Supreme Court decision.

Allamakee County’s current courthouse, a PWA Moderne design by Charles Altfillisch was completed in 1939. The former courthouse, now a museum, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The current Allamakee County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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Black Hawk County Courthouse in Waterloo

Black Hawk County was named for Chief Black Hawk, who led the Sac and Fox in the Black Hawk War.

Black Hawk County’s first courthouse was completed in 1857 in Waterloo. It was a two story structure featuring six tall pillars and a cupola.

The second courthouse, a three-story French Renaissance design, was completed in 1902. It was built with Bedford limestone and Maine granite, and featured a tall tower and six bronze goddesses on top of the courthouse.

Black Hawk County’s current courthouse, designed by architects Toenjes & Stenson featuring red and black polished stone, was completed in 1964.

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Washington County Courthouse in Washington

Washington County was named for George Washington, the first president of the United States.

Washington County’s first courthouse, a temporary two-story structure built with oak and walnut lumber in Washington, around 1839. It was also used for school and church purposes.

In 1847, a small brick courthouse with spire was completed. It was condemned in 1868.

Washington County’s current courthouse, a Romanesque design by architects Foster and Liebbe, was completed in 1887 using local bricks. It is trimmed in white stone and features a clock tower, with the former Washington Academy’s clock. The Washington County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Louisa County Courthouse in Wapello

Louisa County was named for Louisa Massey of Dubuque, or Louisa County in Virginia

Louisa County’s first courthouse was constructed with cottonwood logs in 1838 in Lower Wapello.

In 1840, a one-story brick courthouse was built by Samuel Kirkpatrick. It was later used as a school.

A larger courthouse was constructed in 1854, using stone quarried nearby.

Louisa County’s current courthouse, a Beaux Arts Classical design with Art Deco details by architects Keffer, Jones, and Thomas was completed in Wapello in 1928. It is a two-story structure constructed with tan colored brick and trimmed with stone. The Louisa County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Benton County Courthouse in Vinton

Benton County was named for Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from Missouri and colonel in the War of 1812.

Benton County’s first courthouse was a two-story log structure built in Vinton (originally called Northport, then Fremont). The building was begun around 1846 but was not finished until 1852, only to be destroyed by fire in 1853.

In 1856, a two-story brick Greek Revival courthouse with a tall narrow cupola was built.

Benton County’s current courthouse is a three-story Beaux Arts design by Bell and Detweiler and completed in 1906. Clad in Buckeye grey sandstone, the courthouse features a tall illuminated clock tower, with a bell donated by a local citizen. The Benton County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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Tama County Courthouse in Toledo

Tama County is named from unclear origins - several possible Native American names may be the origin.

Tama County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure built in Toledo by T. A. Graham in 1854.

The current courthouse, a two-story brick and stone Romanesque structure with a bell tower designed by W. R. Parsons & Son, was completed in 1887. The original building had a corrugated iron roof. An administration building was built north of the courthouse, but the 1886 courthouse is still home to court services. The Tama County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Cedar County Courthouse in Tipton

Cedar County was named for the Cedar River.

Cedar County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame building in Tipton. Work began in 1841, but it was not completed until 1846. It was sold in 1860.

A two-story red brick and cut stone courthouse was completed in 1859. It originally featured a cupola, which was removed; a tower was added and a wing to the rear of the building was added in 1890. The tower was removed in 1949.

Cedar County’s current courthouse is a two-story brick classic design by architects Soenke and Wayland, and completed in 1968. The bell from the 1859 courthouse rests on the corner of the courthouse lawn.

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Buena Vista County Courthouse in Storm Lake

Buena Vista County was named for the Battle of Buena Vista in the Mexican-American War.

Buena Vista’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure built in Sioux Rapids 1870. This building burned in 1877, and several towns campaigned to be named the county seat.

Storm Lake offered its newly constructed city hall to be used as a courthouse. The offer was accepted in 1878. Soon, the leased courthouse was too small to serve the county. A three story Romanesque design by J. M. Russell, made with pressed brick and featuring a large cupola, was completed in Storm Lake in 1888.

Buena Vista’s current courthouse, a modern “L” shaped building designed by Frevert-Ramsey, as completed in 1972 on the same grounds as the previous courthouse. It features a large courtroom in the round.

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Dickinson County Courthouse in Spirit Lake

Dickinson County was named for Senator Daniel Stevens Dickinson of New York

Dickinson County’s first courthouse was begun in 1859, but before completion was used as barracks for Civil War troops from 1862-65. The two-story courthouse was finally completed in 1868. It was destroyed by fire in 1871.

The second courthouse was constructed in 1872 on the same foundation using bricks salvaged from the first courthouse. This building was condemned in 1880.

The third courthouse was a brick and stone Romanesque design by T. D. Allen and completed in 1891, using bricks from the prior courthouses in the concrete foundation. Additions in 1957, 1976, and 1978 helped to meet the growing needs of the county.

Dickinson County’s current courthouse is a two-story brick structure featuring glass panels along its entrance with a replica tower resting in the center of the memorial plaza. Designed by RDG Planning and Design, groundbreaking ceremonies took place in August, 2004. The new Dickinson County courthouse will have its official dedication ceremony in June, 2009.

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Clay County Courthouse in Spencer

Clay County was named for Lieutenant Colonel Henry Clay Jr. who died during the Mexican War

Clay County’s first courthouse was a single-story structure built in Peterson in 1860.

In 1871, the county seat returned to Spencer, The citizens of Spencer built the first courthouse in Spencer, and sold it to the city. The two-story frame structure not only served as the courthouse, but also for public meetings. The growing county quickly outgrew the small courthouse.

In 1884, a simple two-story brick courthouse was constructed in Spencer.

Clay County’s current courthouse, a Beaux Arts Classical design by Kinney and Detweiler, was completed in 1901. The red brick and sandstone structure features two-story Corinthian columns and a domed square tower. The Clay County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Woodbury County Courthouse in Sioux City

Woodbury County was named for Levi Woodbury, who served as governor of New Hampshire, Secretary of the Navy and Treasury, and Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Woodbury County’s first courthouse was a three-story brick structure built in Sioux City in 1858.

An ornate three-story courthouse constructed of brick and Kasota stone, designed by William L. Foster, was completed in 1878. It featured a mansard roof with iron details, and a domed tower.

Woodbury County’s current courthouse is a brick Prairie School style designed by W. L. Steele, in colloboration with Purcell and Elmslie. Completed in 1918, the brick structure features a two-story base with a tall central tower, terracotta details and colorful tiles. The Woodbury County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

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Keokuk County Courthouse in Sigouney

Keokuk County was named for Sac Chief Keokuk.

Keokuk County’s first courthouse was a log structure built in Sigourney in 1845. This building was also used for jail, school, and public meetings. Its tenure as courthouse was brief, as the county seat was moved to Lancaster in 1846.

A two-story frame courthouse was completed in Lancaster in 1848.

The county seat was moved back to Sigourney in 1856. A two-story brick courthouse was completed in 1858.

Keokuk County’s current courthouse, a Beaux Arts Classical Revival stone structure designed by Wetherell and Gage, was completed in 1911. The three-story building features a clock tower and cupola. The Keokuk County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Fremont County Courthouse in Sidney

Fremont County was named for General John Charles Frémont, an explorer and presidential candidate.

Fremont County’s first courthouse was a frame structure built soon after the county seat was moved to Sibley in 1851.

The second courthouse was a two-story brick building with a tall tower completed in 1860. In 1863, severe damage occurred due to a dynamite explosion, with extensive repair required. The courthouse burned in 1888.

Fremont County’s current courthouse, a brick and stone Romanesque design by S. E. Maxon, was completed in 1889. The Fremont County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Osceola County Courthouse in Sibley

Osceola County was named for Seminole Chief Osceola, who fought preserve the land and rights of his people.

Osceola County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure built in 1872 in Sibley. Its design included shutters, front and rear steps, and other amenities. In addition to courthouse purposes, the building also was used for a school and church.

Osceola County’s current courthouse, a Classical brick and stone design by F. W. Kinney, was completed in 1903. The original design featured a tall domed clocktower was shortened to a square cupola in 1925, then removed in 1961. The Osceola County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Osceola County Economic Development web site for more information.

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Sac County Courthouse in Sac City

Sac County was named for the Sac Native American tribe.

Sac County’s first courthouse was built in 1862 in Sac City. The tiny log courthouse served the county until 1873.

The second courthouse was a two-story brick and limestone building with a tower, designed by O. J. King and built in 1873. It burned in 1888 by a prisoner escaping from the adjacent jail.

Sac County’s current courthouse, a brick and stone Romanesque style by J. M. Russell, was completed in 1890. The original tower was removed in 1890. The Sac County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Sac County and Sac City History web site for more information.

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Calhoun County Courthouse in Rockwell City

Calhoun County named for John Caldwell Calhoun, the seventh vice president of the United States.

Calhoun County’s first courthouse was built in Lake City in 1856.

In 1877 a courthouse was built in Rockwell City after the county seat was moved there. It was also used as a schoolhouse and other public meetings. It was destroyed by fire in 1884, and other locations were rented until a new one could be built.

A new location was chosen for the third courthouse, to be further from the noise of the railroad. It was built in 1886. It quickly became too small for the needs of the county.

Today’s courthouse is a three-story Neo-Classical design by W. F. Gernanth. Completed in 1914, the courthouse is constructed with steel and concrete, and Bedford limestone lined with brick, and features a red tile roof.

A third courthouse was built on a new location in 1886, but was too small for the county. The fourth courthouse was completed in 1914 for a cost of $116,200 and the former courthouse was sold to a Catholic Church. This fourth courthouse serves Calhoun County today. The outside walls are limestone and the building has a red roof made of clay tiles. The architectural style of this three story building is Neo-Classical Revival. The Calhoun County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Lyon County Courthouse in Rock Rapids

Lyon County was named for General Nathaniel Lyon, killed when leading the First Iowa Infantry during the Civil War.

Lyon County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure in centrally located Rock Rapids. Designed by O. A. Cheney, it was completed in 1875. It was moved on rollers a few blocks away to make room for a new courthouse.

Lyon County’s current courthouse is a three-story Beaux Arts design by Joseph Schwartz, completed in 1917. Built with Bedford limestone lined with brick, its bronze door is guarded by a carved stone lion. The Lyon County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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Montgomery County Courthouse in Red Oak

Montgomery County was named for General Richard Montgomery, killed in the American Revolutionary War.

Montgomery County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure erected in 1857. When the county seat was moved to Red Oak Junction (now named Red Oak) in 1865, the courthouse moved on huge sleds pulled by thirty yoke of oxen.

The current courthouse is a three-story Richardsonian Romanesque designed by Henry C. Koch. Completed in 1891, it is constructed with light tan Missouri limestone, red pressed brick, and terracotta. It features a seven-story clocktower and an interesting roofline with turrets, domes, cupola, and chimneys. Its design is very similar to Koch’s design in Jefferson County. The Montgomery County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the City of Red Oak web site for more information.

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O’Brien County Courthouse in Primghar

O’Brien County was named for William Smith O'Brien, an Irish patriot.

O’Brien County’s first courthouse was a log cabin built in 1860 near the first resident of the county, and later moved to an area that later became Old O’Brien. It was used not just for courthouse business, but a school, blacksmith shop, residence, and stable.

A frame courthouse replaced the log cabin in 1870, but destroyed by fire in 1871. It was replaced with a similar building.

The county seat was moved to Primghar in 1873, and a two-story courthouse was built on the present courthouse square in 1874. This building was later condemned.

Following an attempt to move the county seat, a new courthouse was built in Primghar in 1887. An addition in 1902 was required to meet the growing county’s needs.

Today’s courthouse is a three-story Beaux Arts Neo-Classical design by Smith and Keffer. Completed in 1917, the courthouse is built using buff Bedford limestone. The O'Brien County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the O'Brien County Economic Development web site for more information.

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Pocahontas County Courthouse in Pocahontas

Pocahontas County was named for Pocahontas, the Powhatan princess who played a leading role in the history of the first permanent English settlements in North America.

Pocahontas County’s first courthouse was a two-story Classic Revival brick building on a stone foundation in Old Rolfe (now called Parvin). The lumber was cut from nearby woods and prepared at a local sawmill, and the bricks were made with local clay and fired on site. The second floor of the courthouse was used as a school.

The county seat moved to Pocahontas in 1875, and a wood frame courthouse with brick wings was completed in 1876.

Pocahontas County’s current courthouse is a three-story Classical Revival design by architects Proudfoot, Bird and Rawson built using brick and Bedford limestone in 1923. The Pocahontas County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Pocahontas County Economic Development web site for more information.

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Wapello County Courthouse in Ottumwa

Wapello County was named for Chief Wapello, the second-in-command over the Sac and Fox Indians in the Black Hawk War.

Wapello County’s first courthouse was a log cabin, built in Ottumwa. The town was originally known as Appanoose Rapids, then Louisville, then Ottumwanoc, then later shortened to Ottumwa.

A two-story frame building was constructed in 1846, which was used for a courthouse as well as for church, dances, meetings, and school. It served until 1855 when it was sold to the Christian Church.

In 1855 a larger two-story brick courthouse was constructed. It was also used for public meetings. This served the county until 1891 when it was torn down to make room for the current courthouse.

Today’s courthouse is a five-story Romanesque structure designed by Foster & Liebbe, and built with rough-cut sandstone. It was completed in 1894. Originally its roofline had several chimneys and a large clocktower, but they were removed in 1950. A statue of Chief Wapello stands on a peak above the roof. The Wapello County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Mahaska County Courthouse in Oskaloosa

Mahaska County was named for Chief Mahaska of the Iowa Native American tribe. Mahaska means “White Cloud.”

Mahaska County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure built in Oskaloosa, and completed in 1845. It was used as the courthouse, church, and opera house. It was abandoned by the county around 1855

For several years, the county rented space for courthouse offices.

Today’s Mahaska County Courthouse is a three story brick and stone structure on a stone foundation located east of the town square in Oskaloosa. Designed in Romanesque style by architect H. C. Koch & Co., the courthouse was dedicated in 1886. The tower was lowered in 1934. A bronze statue of Chief Mahaska faces west in the town square. The Mahaska County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Clarke County Courthouse in Osceola

Clarke County was named for James Clarke, a territorial governor of Iowa

Clarke County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame structure built in Osceola in 1854. It was abandoned in 1883 due to wind and weather damage.

The second courthouse was a red brick structure with a clock tower built in 1892. It was demolished in 1955.

Clarke County’s current courthouse was built in 1956. The L-shaped modern brick structure was designed by architects Williamson, Loebsack & Assoc. A 1995 addition was designed by Moore & Assoc. P.C.

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Mitchell County Courthouse in Osage

Mitchell County may have been named for either John M. Mitchell, an Irish patriot, or John Mitchell, an early surveyor.

The county seat was first appointed to the town of Mitchell, and newly elected officers held offices in their own cabins until a courthouse was provided.

Osage campaigned to be named the county seat, and in 1858 agreed to build a courthouse and jail to give to the county. The final court decision declaring Osage as the county seat was in 1870.

The Mitchell County Courthouse is a red brick Greek Revival structure completed in 1858 with Gothic and Italianate details built by John Bishop et al. It features four columns and a silver-domed cupola. The Mitchell County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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Sioux County Courthouse in Orange City

Sioux County was named for the Sioux Native American tribe, once prosperous in the Iowa and Minnesota area. Sioux means “little snake.”

The first courthouse was a 1½ story log structure built in Calliope, with portholes similar to a fort for protection.

The county seat moved to Orange City in 1872. A frame building was erected, but after 20 years was too small to meet the needs of the growing county.

In 1904 a Romanesque courthouse designed by Wilfred Beach was completed using red and buff colored sandstone. It features a six-story clock tower topped by a statue of Justice. The Sioux County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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Monona County Courthouse in Onawa

Monona County was named for a Native American work, which may mean “Peaceful Valley” or “Beautiful Valley.”

Ashton served as Monona County’s first county seat, with a log cabin serving as its courthouse.

A frame courthouse was constructed in 1858 when the county seat was moved to Onawa. Several challenges followed, but the county seat remained in Onawa.

Today’s courthouse is a Romanesque brick design with gabled roof and tower by S. E. Maxon, was completed in 1892. Additions were built in 1967 and 1973. An annex was completed in 1981 to provide facilities for court facilities and human services.

The Monona County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the City of Onawa web site for more information.

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Worth County Courthouse in Northwood

Worth County was named for William Jenkins Worth, a general in the Black Hawk War and Mexican-American War.

Worth County rented a small stone building for county use in Northwood for three dollars per month. In 1865, a two-story courthouse was built.

After an attempt to change the county seat, a two-story Italianate brick courthouse was built in Northwood in 1880. After its use as a courthouse, this building served as a school, library, city hall, and now as the Worth County Historical Museum. The Old Worth County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The current courthouse is a Romanesque brick structure with a small tower designed by H. R. P. Hamilton and completed in 1893. An addition in 1990 provided a new jail, magistrate courtroom, and offices. The Worth County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Worth County web site for more information.

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Jasper County Courthouse in Newton

Jasper County was named for Sergeant William Jasper, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

Jasper County’s first courthouse was a small frame structure built in Newton in 1847.

The second courthouse was a two-story sandstone and brick building faced with limestone, built in 1858.

Today’s courthouse, a three story Beaux Arts design with Georgian Colonial detail by Proudfoot and Bird, was completed in 1911. The exterior is Bedford limestone, lined with brick. The interior features marble wainscoting, and ceramic tile mosaic floors, with the Seal of Jasper County on the rotunda floor. Only the doors and window casings are made from wood. The interior is decorated with ceramic tile and marble wainscoting. The dome features four paintings by Edgar Cameron depicting scenes in Jasper County’s history. The Jasper County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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Chickasaw County Courthouse in New Hampton

Chickasaw County was named for the Chickasaw Native American tribe.

Chickasaw County’s first courthouse was a log cabin built in Bradford in 1854. The county seat moved to New Hampton (originally called Chickasaw Center) in 1857.

The courthouse in New Hampton was completed in 1865. The frame building, with a one-story brick addition in 1876, was destroyed by fire in 1880.

Chickasaw County’s third courthouse was built in 1881 in New Hampton, despite campaigns to move the county seat. Citizens of New Hampton supplied nearly half the cost of the brick and stone two story building with a bell tower. Wings were added on the north and south side of the courthouse in 1905 and 1906.

Chickasaw County’s current courthouse was completed in 1929. It is a moderne art deco design by Ralston and Ralson built with Bedford limestone. The Chickasaw County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Chickasaw County web site for more information.

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Story County Courthouse in Nevada

Story County was named for Joseph Story, a justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Story County’s first courthouse was built in Nevada in 1855. The two-story frame building burned December 31, 1863. It was replaced by a similar building.

The third courthouse was a three story brick structure designed by William Foster. Completed in 1877, the courthouse originally featured a tower topped with the goddess of justice, which was later removed.

The fourth courthouse was completed in 1968. The Y-shaped building designed by Stenson & Warm now serves as the administration building and houses much of the non-court related county services.

Story County’s current courthouse was designed by Wells, Kastner, & Schipper and completed in 2002. The Justice Center houses the courtroom, clerk of court, county attorney, and sheriff.

Visit the Story County web site for more information.

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Muscatine County Courthouse in Muscatine

Muscatine County was named for either the Muscatine Native American tribe, the Native American word for prairie, or Muscatine Island in the Mississippi River.

Muscatine County’s first courthouse was a two-story brick building on a stone foundation in Bloomington (renamed Muscatine in 1851). It was destroyed by fire in 1864.

The second courthouse was built in 1867. The two-story brick structure featured a dome topped with a statue of the goddess of justice.

Muscatine’s county current courthouse is a three-story Beaux Arts designed by J. E. Mills, constructed with concrete and Bedford limestone. Completed in 1909, it features a clock tower dome supported by stone pillars. The Muscatine County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Muscatine County web site for more information.

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Henry County Courthouse in Mount Pleasant

Henry County was named for Henry Dodge, a general in the Black Hawk War, governor of the Wisconsin Territory (which included present-day Iowa) and later U. S. senator from Wisconsin.

Henry County’s first courthouse was also the first courthouse in the state of Iowa. Built in 1839, the two-story brick structure was built in 1839 in Mount Pleasant, and was demolished in 1872.

The county then purchased “Hill Hall,” built in 1870, and remodeled the interior to accommodate offices and courtroom. It was used from 1871-1914.

Henry County’s current courthouse, a two story stone and brick Beaux Arts classical design by Joseph W. Royer, was completed in 1914. Bricks were supplied by Mt. Pleasant Brick and Tile. The Henry County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Henry County web site for more information.

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Ringgold County Courthouse in Mount Ayr

Ringgold County was named for Major General Samuel B. Ringgold, who suffered the first American death in the Mexican-American War during the Battle of Palo Alto.

Ringgold County’s first courthouse was a small log structure built in Mount Ayr in 1856. It was destroyed by a tornado in 1858, scattering logs and county records; some records were never recovered.

The second courthouse was a larger frame building, constructed of native lumber. It served as the courthouse for about 25 years before it became too small and unsafe to use.

The third courthouse was completed in 1884, a two-story building with a tall clocktower made of locally fired bricks and grey stone. Poor drainage and inferior bricks eventually caused large cracks to form, and the building was condemned in 1921. Offices moved to a garage temporarily.

Today’s courthouse is a Classical Revival and Tudor structure designed by architects Keffer and Jones. This three story brick structure was built in 1926-27. The Ringgold County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Ringgold County web site for more information.

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Poweshiek County Courthouse in Montezuma

Poweshiek County was named for Fox Chief Poweshiek who supported peace in the Black Hawk War.

Poweshiek County’s first courthouse was a two-story frame building completed in 1850. The courtroom was on the first floor; the offices on the second floor were accessed by an outside stairway. It was also as a school and church, and for public meetings.

Poweshiek County’s current courthouse, a two-story brick Greek Revival structure designed by Dake & Dryden, was completed in 1859. An addition was completed in 1890; a full basement and new foundation were placed under the building in 1934. The Poweshiek County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981

Visit the Poweshiek County web site for more information.

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Cerro Gordo County Courthouse in Mason City

Cerro Gordo County named for the Battle of Cerro Gordo in the Mexican-American War.

Cerro Gordo County’s first courthouse was built in Livonia, which was briefly chosen as the county seat.

Mason City (earlier called Shibboleth and Masonic Grove) was reappointed as the county seat in 1858. Mason City’s first courthouse was a two-story stone structure built in 1866.

In 1902 a three-story courthouse made with native stone, with turrets and a tall clock tower, was completed in Mason City. It served the county until 1960.

Today’s courthouse was originally designed in 1936 by the Standard Oil Company. In 1959 Liebenberg & Kaplan Architects and Engineers designed an addition and remodeling of the three-story building for use as Cerro Gordo County’s courthouse. Another addition designed by Associated Engineers was built in 1977 to provide additional office space.
(Thanks to Tom Drzycimski, Cerro Gordo County Planning & Zoning for vintage photo of the Standard Oil Building)

Visit the Cerro Gordo County web site for more information.

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Marshall County Courthouse in Marshalltown

Marshall County was named for John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States.

Marshall County’s first courthouse was a one-story frame structure built in 1853 in Marietta.

The county seat moved to Marshall (later Marshalltown) in 1858. A newly constructed two-story brick building with a stone foundation had already been built by Marshall’s citizens to serve as the new courthouse.

Today’s courthouse, a Classical Revival structure designed by John C. Cochrane, was completed in 1886. The limestone exterior was mined from the LeGrand Quarry in Marshall County. The courthouse underwent extensive renovations, and was rededicated in 1978. The Marshall County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972

Visit the Marshall County web site for more information.

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Iowa County Courthouse in Marengo

Iowa County was named for the Iowa River and the Ioway Native American tribe.

Iowa County’s first courthouse was a one-room log cabin built in Marengo in 1847. It was too small to be accepted by the board of supervisors, so it was rented by the county until another courthouse could be built.

The second courthouse was a stone building completed in 1851. Within ten years, it was also too small to meet the needs of the county.

The third courthouse was a brick building, constructed beginning in 1861. An addition was added in 1869, but the county needed larger facilities.

Iowa County’s current courthouse, a two-story Romanesque style by Foster and Liebbe, was built in 1892. It is made with Berea stone, and features a unique octagonal tower. The Iowa County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Iowa County web site for more information.

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Jackson County Courthouse in Maquoketa

Jackson County was named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States.

Jackson County’s first courthouse was a log cabin built in Andrew, after the town was selected as the county seat in 1841.

The second courthouse, a brick courthouse, was built in Bellevue around 1848.

A third courthouse, a three-story stone structure, was built in 1861 in Andrew.

Jackson County's fourth courthouse was built in Maquoketa in 1873. This two-story stone building proved too small by 1938, and some county offices moved into other buildings.

Today’s courthouse, a modern design by architect William J. McNeil, was built in Maquoketa in 1958-59.

The former Jackson County courthouse in Bellevue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Jackson County web site for more information.

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Delaware County Courthouse in Manchester

Delaware County may have been named for the state of Delaware, former home of Senator John Middleton Clayton; or possibly named for Delaware County, New York, former home of Thomas McCraney, member of the first Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Wisconsin.

Delaware County’s first courthouse was a two-story hickory log cabin built in 1843-44 by citizens in Delhi. It was the first building in the county seat, and also served as a church, school, meeting place, and shelter.

Work began on the second courthouse in Delhi in 1850, and was not finished until 1853. A frame structure hewn from local timber, the courthouse quickly became too small to serve the needs of the growing county. A two-story brick county building was erected in 1857 to house county offices.

The county seat was moved to Manchester in the 1880 election. A two-story frame temporary courthouse was quickly constructed, with court held in the city hall.

Today’s courthouse, a Romanesque design by C. E. Bell, was built in Manchester beginning in 1894. The red pressed-brick building is trimmed with hand-hewn stone. The clock for the tower was purchased by donations from about 700 citizens. The Delaware County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Delaware County web site for more information.

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Harrison County Courthouse in Logan

Harrison County was named for William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States.

Magnolia was named Harrison County’s county seat in 1853. The first courthouse was a log cabin. A fire destroyed this courthouse along with the county records in 1854.

A second courthouse, a small frame structure, was built in 1854, and served until condemned in 1873. A brick office building was then used by the county for three years.

The county seat moved to Logan in 1876, and a two-story brick courthouse was built. By the turn of the century it was too small to meet the needs of the growing county, and plans began for a new courthouse.

The current courthouse, a three-story Classical Revival Beaux Arts structure designed by Joseph E. Mills, was completed in 1911. It was constructed with concrete and steel, and faced with Bedford limestone. The Harrison County courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Visit the Harrison County web site for more information.

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