Clio Logo

Fort Dodge became the county seat for Webster County in 1856. The Courthouse replaced the original and was designed by H.C. Koch Co. in Milwaukee, who also designed the Carnegie Library. The temple front, with columns topped by Ionic capitals and the windows with a triangular crown reflect the ancient Greek and Roman influence. The Latin words ‘Pax’ and ‘Lex’ mean ‘peace’ and ‘law’. Well above the entry are decorations of lions heads – symbols of strength.


The Webster County Courthouse was built in 1902 on the site of the previous courthouse.

Henry C. Hoch was the architect and the builder was the Northern Building Co.