Washington Court House in Fayette County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fayette County Court House / Washington Court House Riot of 1894
Archibald M. Willard Murals
Fayette County Court House
Opened on May 1, 1885, this is the third Fayette County Court House building. Ohio artist Archibald Willard, who is best known for the patriotic painting, "The Spirit of '76," was commissioned by the firm Cooks Brothers to do painting and fresco work for the interior walls of the courthouse. Willard did not sign his work and the artist's identity remained a mystery for nearly 75 years until confirmation was made in August 1956. The artist's name was cleverly disguised in the delivery address of the letter in "The Spirit of the U.S. Mail" mural. The other primary murals, "Spirit of Electricity" and "Spirit of the Telegraph," adorn the third floor corridor.
Washington Court House Riot of 1894
On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the courthouse with intent to lynch alleged attacker William "Jasper" Dolby. Governor William McKinley ordered Ohio National Guard troops sent in to subdue the crowd. The mob was initially thwarted, but on October 17, while Dolby awaited transportation from the jail to the courthouse, the riots intensified. Despite Dolby's guilty plea to rape and a 20-year sentence, the crowd sought vengeance. They rushed the courthouse doors, and were warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors. Colonel Alonzo
Erected 2002 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Fayette County Travel and Tourism Bureau, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 1-24.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #25 William McKinley, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists.
Location. 39° 32.168′ N, 83° 26.385′ W. Marker is in Washington Court House, Ohio, in Fayette County. Marker is at the intersection of East Court Street (U.S. 22) and North Main Street, on the left when traveling east on East Court Street. Marker is on the front lawn of the Fayette County Court House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 E Court Street, Washington Court House OH 43160, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fayette County World War Memorial (here, next to this marker); War Savings Quota (here, next to this marker); Fayette County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Washington Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War Veterans Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Barney Kelly House (approx. 0.2 miles away); To Our Veterans (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington Court House.
Additional keywords. William McKinley
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,121 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 3. submitted on May 3, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. 4, 5. submitted on May 14, 2023, by Alex Krempasky of Obetz, Ohio. 6, 7. submitted on July 29, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 8. submitted on July 7, 2019, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.