Davis County Courthouse

Standing prominently in a public square in the heart of Bloomfield, the Davis County Courthouse has served as the seat of county government since it was built in 1877. An elegant example of Second Empire architecture, it features a Bedford limestone exterior, mansard roof, a bell and clock tower topped by a statue of the Goddess of Justice, and many decorative details such as the stone trim of the windows and the cast iron railing running along the roof. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The first courthouse was a simple log structure built in 1844 on the town square. In 1851 it became too small for the growing county and as a result a courtroom was rented for $100 per year. For some time after that court proceedings occurred in a Methodist church. Finally in 1875, voters approved the construction of the present courthouse, which was completed in 1877 for around $45,000 (residents had voted against building a new courthouse on several previous occasions). Locals and tourists praised after the new courthouse and it was reported in Oklahoma City as a beautiful example of rural architecture. In addition to its political purpose, the courthouse has also been the site of band concerts, civic rallies, barbecues, and other public events.

"Davis County Courthouse." Iowa Judicial Branch. Accessed October 25, 2021. https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/educational-resources-and-services/iowa-courts-history/iowa-county-courthouse-history/davis-county-courthouse.

Haufe, Mrs. W. David. "Davis County Courthouse." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. May 3, 1974. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/533a913b-bcdc-47df-9e12-faf4ef68d489.