Van Buren County Courthouse

1840

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

1. Van Buren County Courthouse Marker

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From the National Register Nomination prepared by Libby Morgan Woodruff, 8/1977:
The Van Buren County Courthouse, built 1840-43, expresses classical influences in its proportions, wide cornices and pedimented gable ends. The two-story structure is built of red brick laid in common bond on a dressed limestone foundation. Walls are 22-inch thick on the ground floor, tapering to 18-inch above. Windows are plain, with wide, flat stone lintels and narrower sills. The central entrance has double doors and multilight transom. Within the tympanum is set a fanlight. Timbers and trusses are oak, woodwork is walnut. The ground floor is divided into office space, with the courtroom occupying the whole upper floor. Original

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

2. Van Buren County Courthouse Marker

The marker is mounted on the right side of the east courthouse entrance.

jury chairs, spectator benches and iron railing are still in use. Two walnut spiral staircases were part of the original plan, now replaced by a single, plain stairway.
Although no pictures have been found as illustration, the original courthouse had a wooden, gable-roofed tower, which was removed sometime during the 1860's. The courthouse is set on a hill overlooking the Des Moines River.
Like other pre-Civil War courthouses in Iowa, such as those in Lee and Allamakee Counties, it was built in the Greek Revival style, a form both imposing and suited, when necessary, to the unsophisticated construction methods so often found in recently settled areas. Use of detail is far more sparing on this courthouse than on others of its style in Iowa but is enough to clearly mark its classical origins.
Van Buren County was formed in 1836 by the Territorial Legislature of Wisconsin, with Farmington as the county seat. After Iowa Territory was created (1838) and a series of challenges made to Farmington's preeminence as a political center, the county seat was permanently established at Keosauqua. The first contract for the courthouse was awarded

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

3. Van Buren County Courthouse (east elevation)

in 1840 to local builders James Hall and John Fairman, on the understanding the building would be completed in two years. Fairman and Hall apparently failed in this regard, for the contract was subsequently awarded to Edwin Manning, who finished the courthouse in 1843. It has served since then as the home of Van Buren County government.

Excerpt:  The Van Buren County Courthouse was built in 1843. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is the only building the county has used as its courthouse, and it is the oldest courthouse in Iowa. In 1845 the courthouse served as the location for a trial resulting in the first death penalty in Iowa history.
The Van Buren County commissioners accepted a bid of $6,500 from James Hall and John Fairman on May 30, 1840, for construction of the courthouse, with Sewall Kenny and Henry King named as building agents. However, early the following January the commissioners relieved the agents of their duties and named Edwin Manning to finish the construction. This was done in September 1843 at a final cost

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

4. Van Buren County Courthouse (west elevation)

of $6,712.
The finished Greek Revival-style building was one of the largest west of the Mississippi River for that time period. The framework of the courthouse was constructed of native oak from the area as well as locally manufactured brick for the exterior. Iron truss rods were installed in the building to provide further strength.
Still in use, the Van Buren County courthouse received a major interior restoration over a two-year period between 1981 and 1983, improving safety while preserving much of the original look and feel. While still serving as an active courtroom, the building also features historical displays, photos of former judges, portraits, and maps.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

5. Van Buren County Courthouse (northeast elevation)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 20, 2025

6. Van Buren County Courthouse • Oldest in Iowa • 1840

Looking west (up the hill) from Broad Street (Route J40) (State Highway 1).