Jasper County Courthouse (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jasper County Courthouse
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U.S. Historic district
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Jasper County Courthouse
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1st Ave. between W. 1st St. & W. 2nd Sts. Newton, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1909-1911 |
| Architect | Proudfoot & Bird |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| Part of | Newton Downtown Historic District (ID14000665) |
| MPS | County Courthouses in Iowa TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000249 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1981 |
The Jasper County Courthouse is an important building located in Newton, Iowa, United States. It was built between 1909 and 1911. This courthouse is so special that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. This list helps protect important historical places across the country. Later, in 2014, it also became a key part of the Newton Downtown Historic District, which is a group of historic buildings in the city center.
A Look Back: Early Courthouses
The very first time court was held in Jasper County was in 1846. It happened in a small room added to a log cabin owned by Matthew D. Springer. Imagine holding court in a log cabin!
The first official courthouse was built in 1847. It was made of wood and measured about 30 by 18 feet (9.1 by 5.5 meters). This simple building cost only $87.50 to build. Later, this first courthouse was moved to a farm near Newton.
A second courthouse was built in 1857. This one was much stronger, made of brick with a front covered in limestone. It cost $26,600. The building was about 62 by 50 feet (18.9 by 15.2 meters). It had grand porches, called porticos, that stuck out 12 feet (3.7 meters) from the building. These porches were held up by fancy Ionic columns. A tall dome-like structure, called a cupola, rose 83 feet (25 meters) above the ground.
The Current Jasper County Courthouse
The third and current Jasper County Courthouse was officially opened in 1911. It was designed in a simpler version of the Beaux Arts style. This style is known for being grand and classical, often seen in important public buildings. The famous architectural firm of Proudfoot & Bird from Des Moines designed it.
The courthouse is mostly built from beautiful Indiana Limestone. Only the doors and window frames are made of wood. An important American general and Iowa politician named James B. Weaver wrote about this courthouse in a county history book in 1912. He said that the building would likely stand in all its "massive beauty" long after the history book pages turned old and yellow.
The courthouse is quite large, measuring 121 by 80 feet (37 by 24 meters). It has a tall clock tower that reaches 140 feet (43 meters) into the sky. The clock itself was paid for by donations from people in the community. Its faces are built into the walls around the tower.
Inside the courthouse, you'll find ceramic tile and marble. Tall, freestanding columns separate the hallways from the main central area, called a rotunda. During the Christmas season, the outside of the building is decorated with lights and festive items.
In 1986, the courthouse had a big renovation. This project fixed up the inside of the building and also worked on the dome and paintings. On July 4, 2011, the then-governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, visited the courthouse to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
This courthouse is very important because it represents the local government of Jasper County. It also shows the political power and importance of Newton as the main city and center of the county.
