National Register Listing

Taylor County Courthouse

Court Ave., Bedford, IA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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.

law courthouses buildings
The famous explorers Lewis and Clark passed through Iowa in 1804 on their journey to the Pacific Ocean, but they didn't actually set foot on Iowa soil. The expedition traveled along the western border of Iowa, which was then part of the Missouri Territory.
Iowa random facts
Taylor County, located in southwest Iowa, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ioway and Sac and Fox nations. However, with the passage of the Indian Removal Act in the 1830s, these tribes were forcibly relocated, paving the way for European settlement.

In the mid-1800s, settlers from states like Indiana and Ohio started migrating to the area, drawn by the fertile land and the promise of opportunity. The county was officially established in 1847 and named in honor of General Zachary Taylor, who would later become the twelfth President of the United States.

The early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes. However, their perseverance and determination helped the county's population grow steadily. Agriculture played a key role in the county's development, with crops like corn and wheat dominating the region's farmland.

As the county evolved, so did its communities. Bedford, the county seat, was platted in 1851 and eventually became a hub for commerce and trade. Over the years, the county also saw the development of small towns such as Lenox, Gravity, and New Market, each with their own unique history and contributions to the county's growth.

Today, Taylor County reflects its agricultural roots while embracing modern progress. Visitors can explore historical sites, such as the Taylor County Historical Museum, which preserves the county's heritage through exhibits and artifacts. With a strong sense of community and a tribute to its past, Taylor County continues to shape its future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Taylor County, Iowa.

  • 1852: Taylor County was established by the Iowa General Assembly.
  • 1853: Bedford was chosen as the county seat.
  • 1855: The county's population grew rapidly due to the arrival of settlers from the eastern United States.
  • 1858: The first courthouse was completed in Bedford.
  • 1870: The county experienced a boom with the construction of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
  • 1881: The second courthouse was built in Bedford after the first one was deemed inadequate.
  • 1914: A new courthouse was constructed, replacing the previous one built in 1881.
  • 1920s: Taylor County faced challenges during the Great Depression, resulting in a decline in population and economic activities.
  • 1960s: The county saw a resurgence in population and economic growth.
  • 1993: The current courthouse in Bedford was constructed, replacing the one built in 1914.