National Register Listing

Allamakee County Courthouse

a.k.a. Allamakee County Historical Museum

107 Allamakee St., Waukon, IA

Greek Revival architecture of the high quality exhibited in this structure is exceedingly rare in Iowa. The vernacular details (scrollwork and bracketing) add an interesting element without detracting from the classic character of the building as a whole. The stylistic character of the courthouse is reminiscent of civic architecture in the Western Reserve of Ohio. Since early settlement in this area of Iowa was at first largely drawn from the Western Reserve, it is highly likely that the architect for this courthouse came from Ohio and repeated at Waukon the familiar style of his former surroundings.

When Allamakee County was organized in 1853, Waukon has designated the seat of government. From about 1854 to 1857, the courthouse was a frame building, of hardwood lumber and basswood siding. In 1857 a similar structure was erected beside it to hold the increasing amount of county government activity, and both were used until 1861.

The courthouse described in this nomination was built across the street from the other buildings, begun in 1859, and finished in 1861. In that year, however, political pressures forced the county seat from Waukon to Lansing, and the handsome new building was put to other, mundane uses. In 1867, however, the county government returned to Waukon, and this building served as the courthouse until 1941 when the continually burgeoning civic offices could no longer fit into its small interior.

The former courthouse now houses the county historical museum.

Local significance of the building:
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.