National Register Listing

Worth County Courthouse

Central Ave. between 10th and 11th Sts., Northwood, 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
Iowa is known for its agricultural production, but did you know that it was once a major producer of coal? In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Iowa had more than 200 coal mines, and coal was the state's leading industry.
Iowa random facts
Worth County is located in northern Iowa and was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Dakota Sioux. European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-19th century, drawn by the abundant natural resources and fertile land. The county was officially established on January 15, 1851, and named in honor of Major General William Jenkins Worth, who served in the Mexican-American War.

During its early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy. The rich soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming, and crops such as corn, wheat, and oats became staples. As the population grew, more towns and communities were established, including Northwood, the county seat.

Worth County faced various challenges throughout its history, including the harsh winters of the Upper Midwest and economic downturns. However, the county remained resilient and continued to thrive. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled growth, providing transportation for goods and connecting Worth County to larger markets.

Today, Worth County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with farming and agribusiness being its main industries. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including picturesque landscapes, rivers, and parks. It continues to be a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its history and a commitment to preserving its rural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Worth County, Iowa.

  • 1851 - Worth County is established as a county in the state of Iowa.
  • 1854 - The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily of Norwegian and German descent.
  • 1856 - The first schoolhouse is built in the county.
  • 1860 - The census records a population of 926 people in Worth County.
  • 1864 - The county's first courthouse is constructed in Northwood.
  • 1870 - The population of Worth County reaches 2,251.
  • 1871 - The county's first newspaper, the Worth County Times, is published.
  • 1875 - The railroad arrives in the county, boosting transportation and economic growth.
  • 1881 - The town of Northwood is officially incorporated.
  • 1918 - The Spanish influenza pandemic reaches Worth County, causing widespread illness and death.
  • 1930 - The county's population peaks at 11,106 residents.
  • 1936 - The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes a camp in the county, providing employment during the Great Depression.
  • 1945 - The end of World War II brings a period of post-war economic growth and development.
  • 1965 - The town of Hanlontown experiences a devastating tornado, causing significant damage.
  • 2008 - The county is hit by severe flooding, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.