Napoleon in Henry County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Henry County Courthouse
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
1. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Henry County was organized in 1834 and Napoleon became the county seat in 1835. The first Court was held in a two-story log cabin located at the corner of Perry and Front Streets.
The first Courthouse was a plain two-story structure costing $2,000. It was constructed in 1844 and destroyed by fire in 1847, with all records lost.
The second Courthouse was of brick, in the Federal Style. It was built in 1849-50 on the present site for $7,495. In 1879 the Courthouse, along with twenty-two other buildings, were destroyed in the "Dutch Row" fire. Records were saved.
Architect David Gibbs designed the present Courthouse in the Empire Style. It was built of limestone and locally made brick at a cost of $95,000. The cornerstone was laid on July 10, 1880, and the building was completed in 1882. The fifteen foot 'Goddess of Justice' tops the clock tower. Names of the 1880 county commissioners Charles Horning, Daniel Yarnell, and Rueben Reiter are cast on the tower bell.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Erected by The Napoleon Heritage Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics
this page online
Location. 41° 23.445′ N, 84° 7.462′ W. Marker is in Napoleon, Ohio, in Henry County. Marker is on North Perry Street (Ohio Route 108) south of East Washington Street, on the right when traveling north. This historical marker is located in downtown Napoleon, Ohio, just southwest of the Henry County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Napoleon OH 43545, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 615 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 613 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 621 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 611 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 606 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 102 East Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); 701 North Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); 123 East Washington (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Napoleon.
Also see . . . A video of the removal of Lady Justice from the Henry County Courthouse for restoration. (Submitted on November 23, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
2. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
View of the historical marker from across North Perry Street.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
3. The Henry County Courthouse
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
4. The Henry County Courthouse
View of the northeast corner of the Henry County Courthouse and the building's cornerstone.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
5. The Henry County Courthouse
View of the Henry County Courthouse cornerstone.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2010
6. The Henry County Courthouse
View of ornamentation on the exterior of the Henry County Courthouse.
Photographed By Craig Doda, August 22, 2020
7. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
The first time lady Justice Touched the ground in 140 years. Taken at 2:01PM August 8, 2020.
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 10, 2021
8. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 10, 2021
9. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 10, 2021
10. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, November 10, 2021
11. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, January 16, 2020
12. The Henry County Courthouse Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, August 19, 2021
13. Lady Justice
Taken one day after she was placed back on top of the court house with a full restoration. 8-19-2021.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,275 times since then and 50 times this year. Last updated on November 16, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 10, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7. submitted on November 23, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 8, 9, 10. submitted on November 11, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 11. submitted on November 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 12, 13. submitted on January 19, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
