Jackson County Courthouse (Bellevue, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jackson County Courthouse
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The former Jackson County Courthouse, now an elementary school.
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Third, State, Fourth, and Court Sts., Bellevue, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1845 |
| Architect | Dohaney & Jones |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | County Courthouses in Iowa TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000248 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1981 |
The Jackson County Courthouse, also known as the Old Jackson County Courthouse or Bellevue Elementary School, is a historic building in Bellevue, Iowa. It used to be the courthouse for Jackson County, Iowa. Built in 1845, it shows the Greek Revival style. Today, it is part of Bellevue Elementary School. It's actually the oldest school building still in use in Iowa!
Contents
A Look Back: The Courthouse's Story
When the Wisconsin Territory created Jackson, Jones, and Linn counties in 1837, Bellevue was chosen as the main town for all three.
Completed in 1845, this building is one of the oldest courthouses in Iowa. Only courthouses in Lee (1841) and Van Buren (1843) counties are older. This building is also one of seven courthouses in Iowa built in the Greek Revival style.
The County Seat Rivalry
This building was part of a "county seat rivalry." A county seat is the main town where the government offices are. The Jackson County seat moved several times. It was in Bellevue from 1838 to 1848. Then it moved to Andrew (1848-51). It came back to Bellevue (1851–61), then back to Andrew (1861-73). Finally, it moved to Maquoketa in 1873, where it has stayed.
From Courthouse to School
The building became a full-time school in 1861. as of 2019[update], it serves as the pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Bellevue Elementary School. Over 350 students attend school here.
The original building has had many additions over the years. A south wing was added in 1870, and a north wing in 1872. A gym and cafeteria were built in the 1950s. Two more classroom wings were added in the 1960s and 1970s. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 2, 1981.
Building Style: Greek Revival
The Old Jackson County Courthouse is a two-story building made of brick. It's built in a simple vernacular Greek Revival style. It looks like a traditional Greek temple, but without a portico (a porch with columns).
Key Features
Plain, two-story wings are on each side of the main front (façade). The building has a hip roof with one gable. A large cupola (a small dome-like structure) used to be on the roof. It had a bell and a special roof shape. This cupola was removed in the mid-1900s because it was old and leaking.
Other cool parts of the building include a classical pediment (the triangular part above the entrance). It has a returned cornice (a fancy edge) and a half-moon window. There are also simple brick pilasters (flat columns) on the main front.
The foundation, window sills, and front steps are made from local limestone. Inside, you can still find tin ceilings (though some are hidden). Much of the original woodwork is still there, even if it's painted. The grand stairway with large wooden newel posts (the main posts at the ends of a handrail) is also original. Other old features include glass light fixtures from the early 1900s, cast iron radiators, and some original window panes.
What's Next for the Building?
Discussions started in 2017 about the building's future. It's almost 175 years old and needs a lot of repairs. People want to improve the green space, safety, and how the building looks. They also want it to work better as a modern school. Major renovations or even moving the school to a new building might happen soon.
Community Decisions
In 2018, local taxpayers voted on a plan to build a new elementary school. It would have cost $16 million. However, only 44% of voters approved it, which was not enough. A new school needs 60% approval.
The school district then made the proposed new building smaller. They asked for $14.5 million in a vote on April 2, 2019. This vote also failed, with 46% approval. Even so, the district continues to work on improving the old building and its campus.
