Ionia in Ionia County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ionia County Courthouse

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

1. Ionia County Courthouse Marker

Inscription.

Completed in 1885, the Ionia County Courthouse is the largest structure ever built of Ionia sandstone. The handsome three-and-a-half story courthouse replaced an 1840s hall of justice, which had become inadequate for the county’s needs. David W. Gibbs (1836-1917), of Toledo, Ohio, designed the 120'X 80' Classical Revival structure. The $42,380 courthouse was financed by a special tax levy, which was approved in 1883. The first county offices moved into the new building in January 1886 and court was first held in it in late February of that year. Formal dedication services were observed on July 3, 1886. The interior is adorned with black and white marble floors, oak wainscoting, fourteen marble fireplaces, and a massive walnut and butternut staircase.

Erected 1983 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L448.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1886.

Location. 42° 58.974′ N, 85° 3.794′ W. Marker is in Ionia, Michigan, in Ionia County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and Hudson Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Main Street, Ionia MI 48846, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. G.A.R. Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Ionia County Korean and Vietnam Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Alonzo Woodruff - Medal Of Honor Recipient (within shouting distance of this marker); Ionia County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Carriage Block (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Johns Parish House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. John's Episcopal Church and Parish House (about 300 feet away); Frederick Hall House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ionia.

Also see . . . Ionia County Courthouse. Excerpt:

Ionia County was organized in 1837. At first, there was a dispute over the location of the county seat, between Ionia and Lyons, but it was soon resolved in favor of Ionia. However, the first courthouse, located at this site, was a small one-story building. By the 1800s, this building was far too small, and a building committee was formed to decide on a replacement.

(Submitted on February 10, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

2. Ionia County Courthouse Marker

Ionia County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

3. Ionia County Courthouse

Detail work on the courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

4. Detail work on the courthouse

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, February 1, 2023

5. Ionia County Courthouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 10, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 5. submitted on February 11, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.