Kokomo in Howard County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Howard County Courthouse
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, June 13, 2022
1. Howard County Courthouse Marker
Howard County's original Second Empire style courthouse was built in 1868 and once stood at this location. An unfortunate and devastating fire led to its demolition in 1927, scattering county offices throughout downtown Kokomo. As a result, government officials sought out to build a new courthouse.
The current Art Deco style Howard County Courthouse was dedicated on October 20, 1937 and was designed by Kokomo architect Oscar F. Cook. The building now features a stylized limestone entry with bronze doors decorated with the likeness of Kokomo founder David Foster and famous local inventor / industrialist, Elwood Haynes. Most of the buildings in Kokomo's historic downtown were constructed after the discovery of Natural gas in Howard County in 1886 - the start of the famous "Gas Boom" that turned this sleepy farming community into a bustling center of industry. Some of the most prominent architectural styles were built during this period, including Romanesque Revival, Neoclassical, Italianate, Queen Anne and Art Deco.
Having retained a significant number historically notable buildings and other structures from the "Gas Boom" era, the Courthouse Square Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Erected by The Community Foundation of
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 40° 29.219′ N, 86° 7.933′ W. Marker is in Kokomo, Indiana, in Howard County. Marker is on North Buckeye Street north of West Sycamore Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker stands along the Industrial Heritage Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 N Buckeye St, Kokomo IN 46901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Grand Army of the Republic (within shouting distance of this marker); The Charters of Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Indiana Women's Legacy Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial To The Patriots of 1776 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Howard County's Automotive Heritage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Apperson Jack Rabbit (approx. 0.2 miles away); L.E.&W. Railroad Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Chief Kokomo (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kokomo.
Additional keywords. Art Deco
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, June 13, 2022
2. Howard County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, June 27, 2022
3. Howard County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 477 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 3. submitted on June 26, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
