Appanoose County Courthouse
Van Buren and N. 12th St., Centerville, IAThis courthouse is locally significant as the historical focus of county government, and of the political power and prestige derived from the community's status as the county seat. As the center of county government, an Iowa town was reasonably assured of economic and population growth, and a prominent role in local social and political life. The county courthouse represents a significant public investment in a structure built not simply for utilitarian purposes, but also as a monument associated with the historical importance of county organization and development.
The first courthouse in Appanoose county was really no courthouse at all. The court was held in a small storeroom and the jury deliberated in the blacksmith's shop. The judge's bench was really the store's counter and a barrel was the clerk's table. Sometimes court was held in the blacksmith's shop and here the judge made use of the anvil for his bench and the clerk sat at the bellows. Nevertheless, the court's business was carried on very competently.
The first true courthouse in Centerville was a 24 by 20 foot 1% story cabin built of logs erected at a total expense of $160. It was used for only ten years, from 1848 to 1858, at which time it was so dreadfully outgrown that it could no longer be used. Up until the time that the second courthouse was built, the Methodist and Presbyterian churches served as temporary courtrooms.
The second courthouse was a brick structure of two stories and a basement, costing the county $23,000. This one was utilized until 1891 when it was declared unsafe and condemned.
The third and present courthouse is a handsome structure of stone with a tile roof. Completed in 1904, it "rises majestically in the center of the park, with each of its four faces turned to one of the main thoroughfares of the city". An imposing tower rises from the center of the building, "in which has been placed.... a clock of fine workmanship which, from its four dials the time of day or night can be seen from a great distance".
Local significance of the building:
The first courthouse in Appanoose county was really no courthouse at all. The court was held in a small storeroom and the jury deliberated in the blacksmith's shop. The judge's bench was really the store's counter and a barrel was the clerk's table. Sometimes court was held in the blacksmith's shop and here the judge made use of the anvil for his bench and the clerk sat at the bellows. Nevertheless, the court's business was carried on very competently.
The first true courthouse in Centerville was a 24 by 20 foot 1% story cabin built of logs erected at a total expense of $160. It was used for only ten years, from 1848 to 1858, at which time it was so dreadfully outgrown that it could no longer be used. Up until the time that the second courthouse was built, the Methodist and Presbyterian churches served as temporary courtrooms.
The second courthouse was a brick structure of two stories and a basement, costing the county $23,000. This one was utilized until 1891 when it was declared unsafe and condemned.
The third and present courthouse is a handsome structure of stone with a tile roof. Completed in 1904, it "rises majestically in the center of the park, with each of its four faces turned to one of the main thoroughfares of the city". An imposing tower rises from the center of the building, "in which has been placed.... a clock of fine workmanship which, from its four dials the time of day or night can be seen from a great distance".
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Iowa was one of the first states to grant women the right to vote. In 1869, the Iowa state legislature passed a law allowing women to vote in school board elections. This was more than 50 years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote nationwide.
About Appanoose County
Appanoose County Timeline
Appanoose County, located in south-central Iowa, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Fox, Sac, and Iowa tribes. European settlement began in the early 19th century, spurred by the establishment of Fort Des Moines in 1843. In 1844, the county was officially organized and named after Chief Appanoose, a respected Fox warrior.
During the mid-19th century, Appanoose County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly farming and livestock production. The county's connection to the expanding railroad network in the late 1800s further stimulated its economy, leading to the establishment of several towns and the growth of trade and industry.
Appanoose County played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry in Iowa. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mining became one of the county's primary economic activities, employing thousands of people and leading to the growth of mining towns such as Coalfield and Brazil. However, as the demand for coal declined, the industry gradually declined, leading to economic challenges for the county.
Today, Appanoose County is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to Lake Rathbun, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Despite the ups and downs in its history, Appanoose County continues to thrive as a close-knit community that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
During the mid-19th century, Appanoose County experienced rapid growth due to its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, particularly farming and livestock production. The county's connection to the expanding railroad network in the late 1800s further stimulated its economy, leading to the establishment of several towns and the growth of trade and industry.
Appanoose County played a significant role in the development of the coal mining industry in Iowa. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mining became one of the county's primary economic activities, employing thousands of people and leading to the growth of mining towns such as Coalfield and Brazil. However, as the demand for coal declined, the industry gradually declined, leading to economic challenges for the county.
Today, Appanoose County is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to Lake Rathbun, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The county also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters. Despite the ups and downs in its history, Appanoose County continues to thrive as a close-knit community that celebrates its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
Appanoose County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Appanoose County, Iowa.
- 1843: Appanoose County is established by an act of the Iowa Legislature.
- 1846: The first settler, John Davis, arrives in the county.
- 1851: The city of Centerville is platted, becoming the county seat.
- 1854: The county's first newspaper, "Appanoose Flag," is published.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Appanoose County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- 1869: The county's first railroad, the Burlington and Southwestern, is completed.
- 1875: A devastating fire destroys much of the downtown area of Centerville.
- 1907: The county courthouse, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is completed.
- 1930s: Appanoose County, like much of the nation, is heavily impacted by the Great Depression.
- 1940s-1950s: The county experiences a decline in population due to economic challenges and changing agricultural practices.
- 1970s: Appanoose County begins to see growth in industries such as manufacturing and healthcare.
- Present: Appanoose County remains an agricultural hub, while also diversifying its economy to include tourism and recreation.