Jefferson County Courthouse (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Jefferson County Courthouse
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Court St. between Briggs and Hempstead Aves. Fairfield, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | H.C. Koch |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| MPS | County Courthouses in Iowa TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000250 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1981 |
The Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairfield, Iowa, United States, is a historic building. It was built between 1890 and 1893. This courthouse is important because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added to the list in 1981. This building is the third courthouse that Jefferson County has used. It serves as a place for court cases and county government work.
Contents
History of the Courthouse
Early Buildings
The very first courthouse for Jefferson County was built in 1840. It was a two-story building made of wood. It had a pointed roof, called a gabled roof.
After it was no longer used as a courthouse, the building was used by skilled workers. Sadly, it was destroyed in a fire in 1916.
A new courthouse was built in 1851. This one was made of brick and was about 70 feet long and 40 feet wide.
Challenges and New Construction
By 1875, the brick courthouse was in bad shape. Because of this, court meetings had to be held in a place called Harmony Church. The courthouse was completely abandoned in 1880.
The county wanted to build a new courthouse. However, the economy was not doing well. People had to vote three times on whether to approve money for a new building. Each time, the vote failed.
Finally, a special election was held on November 20, 1890. This time, people voted to allow the new courthouse to be built.
The building was finished three years later, in 1893. It cost $73,630.87 to build. This new courthouse was designed in a style called Romanesque Revival.
Building Design and Features
Architectural Style
The Jefferson County Courthouse looks a lot like the Montgomery County Courthouse in Red Oak, Iowa. They have similar shapes and designs. Their clock towers also look alike.
It is believed that the same company designed both buildings. This company was H.C. Koch, from Milwaukee.
Materials and Details
The outside of the courthouse is made from two main materials. The first floor uses a grey stone called Cleveland sandstone. The rest of the building is made of brick.
Inside the courthouse, you can see beautiful woodwork. It is made from native oak wood.
The building also has a clock tower. In 1948, the roof of the clock tower was taken off. But don't worry, it has been fixed and looks like it should again!
