Marshall County Courthouse

Located in the center of Marshalltown, this courthouse was built in 1886 and is one of the few examples of Classical Revival architecture left in Iowa. The building features a limestone and rusticated stone exterior, a large clock tower topped by a cupola, decorative stonework, and a center elevation on the north side with a portico and three statues at the top. Inside, the courthouse features a rotunda, terrazzo floors, columns, and carved woodwork. As the center of local political and judicial affairs, the courthouse also represents the authority of the county government.

The first county courthouse, a wood-framed structure, was built a few miles to the northwest in the early 1850s in the village of Marietta. In the coming years, Marshalltown grew quickly and it became obvious that it was the more appropriate location for a courthouse. The second courthouse was built facing the town square in 1860. A brick building, the courtroom was located on the second floor and the offices were on the first floor. It was eventually torn down in the 1960s. The first courthouse was actually moved to Marshalltown and converted into a house.

The present courthouse was designed by John C. Cochrane, who also designed the state capitol building. It was well maintained up until the Great Depression but fell into disrepair. The condition of the building was so poor by the early 1970s that in 1973 fire marshall ordered it either renovated or demolished. Residents voted in favor in restoring the courthouse in 1974 and the work was completed in 1978. In 2018 a tornado blew off the spire and the building suffered significant water damage. The repairs, including building a new dome, were completed in 2020. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

"Marshall County Courthouse — A recovery timeline." Times-Republican. January 19, 2022. https://www.timesrepublican.com/news/todays-news/2019/11/marshall-county-courthouse-a-recovery-timeline-2.

"Marshall County Courthouse." Iowa Judicial Branch. Accessed January 19, 2022. https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/educational-resources-and-services/iowa-courts-history/iowa-county-courthouse-history/marshall-county-courthouse.

Norris, Mrs. J.W. et al. "Marshall County Courthouse." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 21, 1972. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/9759be35-824a-4fa1-a97c-dec92d89b47a.