LaPorte County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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LaPorte County Courthouse
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | LaPorte, Indiana |
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| Area | 35 acres (14 ha) |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architect | Brentwood S. Tolan |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Part of | Downtown LaPorte Historic District (ID83000039) |
| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1983 |
The LaPorte County Courthouse is a very old and important building in La Porte, Indiana. It is the main building for LaPorte County government. This means it's where many important county decisions are made. The courthouse was designed by an architect named Brentwood S. Tolan. It was built a long time ago, between 1892 and 1894.
This building has a special look called Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It was built using strong, red sandstone from Lake Superior. The courthouse has a tall tower with a skylight, cool stone carvings called gargoyles, and beautiful stained glass windows. Because it's so special, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also a key part of the Downtown LaPorte Historic District.
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What is a Courthouse?
A courthouse is a building where legal and government work for a county takes place. Think of it as the main office for the county. In a courthouse, you might find:
- Offices for county leaders.
- Rooms where judges hear cases.
- Places where important records are kept.
It's a central spot for local government and justice. The LaPorte County Courthouse helps serve the people of LaPorte County every day.
Who Designed This Building?
The LaPorte County Courthouse was designed by an architect named Brentwood S. Tolan. Architects are people who plan and design buildings. Tolan was known for creating many important buildings during his time. His design for the LaPorte County Courthouse shows his skill. He made sure the building was not only useful but also beautiful and strong.
The Richardsonian Romanesque Style
The LaPorte County Courthouse is built in a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It's named after a famous architect, Henry Hobson Richardson. Buildings in this style often look:
- Strong and heavy: They use large, rough stone blocks.
- Arched: You'll see many round arches over windows and doors.
- Detailed: They often have fancy carvings and towers.
The LaPorte County Courthouse shows these features with its red sandstone, arched windows, and tall tower. It gives the building a grand and lasting look.
Special Features of the Courthouse
The LaPorte County Courthouse has several unique parts that make it stand out.
The Tower and Skylight
One of the most noticeable features is its tall tower. Towers often make buildings look impressive and can be seen from far away. Inside the tower, there is a skylight. A skylight is a window on the roof that lets natural light into the building below. This helps to brighten the inside of the courthouse.
Gargoyles and Stained Glass
The building also has interesting stone carvings called gargoyles. These are often carved figures, sometimes looking like animals or monsters, that stick out from the building. In older times, gargoyles were sometimes used to direct rainwater away from the walls. Today, they are mostly decorative and add a cool, historic touch.
Inside the courthouse, you can find beautiful stained glass windows. Stained glass is made from many small pieces of colored glass joined together to create pictures or patterns. When sunlight shines through them, they fill the rooms with colorful light. These windows add to the beauty and history of the building.
Why is it a Historic Place?
The LaPorte County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. When a building is on this list, it means it is very important to the history of the country, state, or local area. It helps protect these buildings and makes sure they are kept safe for future generations to enjoy and learn from. Being on this list shows that the LaPorte County Courthouse is a valuable part of Indiana's history and architecture.
