Mount Pleasant in Henry County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

First Court House in Iowa

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025

1. First Court House in Iowa Marker

Inscription.
This tablet marks the site of the first court house in Iowa
Built in 1839

Erected 1929 by Daughters of the American Revolution (James Harlan Chapter).

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 40° 57.962′ N, 91° 33.238′ W. Marker is in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in Henry County. It can be reached from West Washington Street north of Washington Street (Business U.S. 34). Marker is located at Central Park by the fountain. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 112 W Washington St, Mount Pleasant IA 52641, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Military Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry County Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (about 400 feet away); Dedicated to Henry County Veterans (about 400 feet away); Henry County Court House (about 500 feet away); Harlan Hotel (about 600 feet away); P.E.O. Sisterhood Founded (approx. half a mile away); Das Deutsches Kollegium (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Pleasant.

Regarding First Court House in Iowa.

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The first Henry County government buildings were a set of log cabins, which was a common practice in some Iowa counties. It was in 1837 that it was decided by the citizens to build a brick-and-mortar courthouse. According to the Society of Architectural Historians, the court house was a handsome late-Federal-style building which conveyed the feeling that it was a large dwelling rather than a public building. Its walls were of brick and its low-pitched hipped roof was broken at the wall edge by four chimneys. In size it was 24 feet square and two stories in height. It was to have had a cupola, but this was never built. This building was demolished in 1871, replaced by a newer court house.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025

2. First Court House in Iowa Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025

3. First Court House in Iowa Marker

Located at Central Park by the fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.