This county courthouse, built 1906-1907, is a late example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style and one of the most architecturally noteworthy structures in its community. While many county courthouses which are located in small towns are situated either on a downtown square or on a prominent corner, this particular courthouse seems almost shunned – it sits at the edge of a downtown area between two streets with mixed residential and commercial use. However, it is a very handsome building and sits at the top of a slight hill where its presence adds beauty and interest to the downtown area below it. It was no doubt sited this way intentionally and while it looks great from a distance, it’s immediate surroundings are atypical of the average courthouse square. I suspect that the town ended up growing in a different direction that what might have been anticipated.
The building is flanked on either side by parking. The area behind the courthouse has been given over to maintenance functions of the county. I took several photos which acknowledge these odd juxtapositions, just because it is kind of fun:
North side and rear of building.
Rear of building above county garages.
South side of courthouse.
Main facade and South side.
Garage behind courthouse.