Appanoose County Courthouse

The Appanoose County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since its construction in 1904. Built of rusticated limestone, it features arched windows, polygonal bays beside the Van Buren Street entrance, and a large clock tower in the center of the roof. As the center of political activity in the county, the courthouse symbolizes the authority and prestige of the local government. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and is the centerpiece of the Courthouse Square Historic District, which is also listed on the National Register.

Appanoose County was established in 1846 and it seems that no other towns vied to become the county seat. The county court was first located in a small storeroom and the judge's "bench" was the clerk's table. The jury met in a Blacksmith's shop, which at times was also used as a courtroom. The judge used the anvil as his bench. The first courthouse was a log cabin built in 1848. Ten years later it was far too small and the court moved to Methodist and Presbyterian churches. The second courthouse, which was a two-story brick building, was not constructed until 1891. Apparently, it appears it was poorly built because by the early 1900s it was found to be unsafe and condemned. Construction of the present courthouse was began in 1903.

"Appanoose County Courthouse." Iowa Site Inventory - Division of Historic Preservation of the Iowa State Historical Department. July 2, 1981. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/b0646ff8-70d6-4cb2-b78a-0fd0fd85728b.