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Current view of the Hardin County Courthouse
Courtesy of the Hardin County Community Development Council |
Locally significant as the historical focus of county government, the
Hardin County Courthouse is a fine example of Victorian Romanesque courthouses,
richly detailed on the exterior. Constructed in 1892 at a cost of $48,000, the
courthouse is an architectural amalgamation of several styles. Designed by architect
T. D. Allen, the imposing brick and stone facade of the building is characterestic
of the Richardsonian Romanesque. Romanesque arches, resting upon polished red
granite columns, grace the north and south entrances. However, the corner turrets,
hipped roof, cross gables and cut stone trimmings are distinctive Queen Anne features.
The 128-foot high clock tower is reminiscent of Italian gothic town centers. The
building exterior is of St. Louis pressed brick and pink Kasota stone. Semi-circular
transoms adorn the upper middle east and west windows. These transoms feature
the great seal of the State of Iowa etched onto frosted glass. Statues depicting
Justice, Mercy and Liberty stand enshrined in an alcove beneath the clock tower.
Historic depiction of the Hardin County Courthouse
Courtesy of the Hardin County Community Development Council |
| The large entrance arch on short, tripled columns, and the
checkerboard patterning in the brick and rock faced stone, are additional fine
details. Hardin County had been attached to Marshall County for revenue and judicial
purposes until it was duly organized in February 1853. Eldora was picked as the
county seat, and the first county courthouse was a two-story frame building erected
in 1856. In October of that same year it was destroyed by fire and a new courthouse
was built in 1857. At about this time, an effort was made to move the county seat
to Point Pleasant, but a contested vote landed the matter in litigation. After
10 years, the Supreme Court finally decided in favor of Eldora in June 1868. The
Hardin County Courthouse faces Hwy. 175 on the square, in the middle of Eldora.
Tours are offered 8:00am to 4:30pm weekdays, but must be scheduled two weeks in
advance. Please call 641-648-4570 or e-mail
rodscott@iowaconnect.com for further information.
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