Lexington in Lafayette County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Lafayette County Courthouse
Photographed By Tom Bosse, October 29, 2015
1. Lafayette County Courthouse Marker
Inscription.
Lafayette County Courthouse. . Begun in 1847, the county's third courthouse is the oldest remaining in use in Missouri. The early portion, with its columned portico, remains unchanged except for modern lighting, heating and office equipment. The office wing on the east side, was begun in 1854 as a one-story building. Afterwards, a second story was added. In 1939 it was connected to the main courthouse, providing new vaults and offices. During the Battle of Lexington, Sept. 18-20, 1861, a cannon ball struck the east column and remains in place. The cupola was part of the original construction but the clock was installed in 1886 by Lexington citizens.
Begun in 1847, the county's third courthouse is the oldest remaining in use in Missouri. The early portion, with its columned portico, remains unchanged except for modern lighting, heating and office equipment. The office wing on the east side, was begun in 1854 as a one-story building. Afterwards, a second story was added. In 1939 it was connected to the main courthouse, providing new vaults and offices. During the Battle of Lexington, Sept. 18-20, 1861, a cannon ball struck the east column and remains in place. The cupola was part of the original construction but the clock was installed in 1886 by Lexington citizens.
Erected by Lafayette County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.
Location. 39° 11.122′ N, 93° 52.962′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Missouri, in Lafayette County. Marker is on Main Street west of 11th Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1001 Main Street, Lexington MO 64067, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Cannon Ball That Struck Lafayette County Courthouse
Photographed By Lester Jones, July 5, 1940
4. VIEW FROM NORTH - Lafayette County Courthouse, Lexington, Lafayette County, MO
Photograph courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2015
5. Cannonball in Lafayette County Courthouse Column
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2015, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 456 times since then and 42 times this year. Last updated on November 10, 2015, by Keith S Smith of West Chester, Pennsylvania. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 9, 2015, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on November 10, 2015. 5. submitted on November 24, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.