1877

Built in 1877 at a cost of $45,201, the Davis County courthouse is an outstanding example of Second Empire architecture with its distinctive mansard roof and dormer windows. The structure measures approximately 97 by 87 feet with walls made of red brick covered by a sandstone veneer. Surmounted by a statue of the "Lady of Justice", the belfry tower raises the total height to over 123 feet. The tower houses the original 1876 Seth Thomas clock and an immense 1878 Kimberley bell that was also rung in the early days as a fire alarm.
The design was the work of architect T.J. Tolan of Indiana, considered at the time to be the most successful in this style of courthouse. In continuous use since its construction, the large courtroom seats nearly 300 people on the original walnut chairs and benches. The basement still contains the cells that were the county and city jails until 1973. A fence was originally constructed around the courtyard square of the same type that still surrounds the jailhouse windows. One of the most unusual visitors to view the building was a human fly who succeeded in scaling the outside walls in the early 1930's. The courthouse has grown to become a familiar symbol of Davis County and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Bloomfield, IA  |  Davis County  |  52537  |  Iowa  |  United States of America

Veterans Memorial
The Confederate Invasion of Iowa Monument
J P Strother
Gerald W. Fackler
Doodlebug
Charles M. Martin
Veterans Memorial
McHaffey Opera House
The Artist, Grant Wood
Grant Wood's Impact

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.