It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 as a part of the PWA-Era County Courthouses of IA Multiple Properties Submission.

In July 1938, a citizens group encouraged the county board of supervisors to apply for funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) to build a new courthouse.

[4] J.C. Mayer of Clarion, Iowa, was awarded the contract to construct the building in December 1938, and it was completed at a final cost of $133,000.

The dedication ceremony was held on June 11, 1940, with the celebration including a parade, baseball games, and a county historical pageant.

Dr. Thomas Niven of First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, Nebraska, gave the keynote address.

Originally, the courtroom was decorated in dark wood tones and Art Deco ornamentation.