Mahaska County Courthouse

This visually striking landmark is the historic Mahaska County Courthouse, which has served as the seat of county government since its construction in 1886. Architecturally, its design is primarily Victorian Romanesque but the tower and main entrance were remodeled in the Art Deco style in 1934. It features stone belt courses, a large arch surrounding the main entrance, arched windows, gabled wall dormers, and a square clock tower with spires. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The first courthouse, a two-story wood frame structure, was built in 1845. Locals helped in raising the timbers used to build the superstructure of the building. A relatively small structure (it was 28 x 50 in size), the courtroom was located on the first floor and the offices were on the second floor. The building also served as a church and venue for performing operas. The courtroom was only used until 1855 and the building was then rented for commercial purposes. It was sold in 1867 and relocated. Until the present courthouse was built in 1886 the county rented office space around the city.

"Mahaska County Courthouse." Iowa Judicial Branch. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/educational-resources-and-services/iowa-courts-history/iowa-county-courthouse-history/mahaska-county-courthouse.

"Mahaska County Courthouse." Iowa State Historical Department - Iowa Site Inventory Form. January 1980. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/81000255_text.