Muscatine County Courthouse

Built in 1909, the Muscatine County Courthouse is the most prominent landmark in Muscatine. Situated in a public square overlooking the Mississippi River, the courthouse was designed in the Beaux-Arts style and features a large portico with Corinthian columns, a two-stage bell and clock tower topped by a dome, and arched and circular windows. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Muscatine County was established in 1837, several years before Iowa became a state in 1846. The town of Muscatine, which was originally called Bloomington, was designated as the county seat around the same time. The first courthouse, a brick structure, was built in 1840. It was used until December 1864 when a fire destroyed it. The second courthouse, another brick building, was erected in its place in 1867. It was two-stories tall and featured a dome with a statue of the goddess of justice on top. Wind blew off the left arm and it was not replaced. The statue continued to deteriorate and was eventually removed. The present courthouse stands on roughly the same spot as the previous building.

"Muscatine County Courthouse." Iowa Judicial Branch. Accessed January 26, 2022. https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/educational-resources-and-services/iowa-courts-history/iowa-county-courthouse-history/muscatine-county-courthouse.

"Muscatine County Courthouse." Iowa State Historical Department - Iowa State Inventory Form. July 2, 1981. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/81000260_text.