[4] After the county outgrew this building, court sessions were held in the Methodist and Presbyterian churches while another courthouse was built.

The architects for the present courthouse was the Des Moines architectural firm of Wetherell and Gage.

[5] In February 1903 the contract, exclusive of heating and plumbing, was awarded to William Peatman, the amount of his bid being $69,900.

Its eclectic appearance combines large polygonal bays and rock-faced stone from the medieval revivals with classical details found in the pediments and the pilastered main entrance.

[5] A large round arch window is located over the main entrance, and the building is capped with a two-stage central clock tower.