Architect Joseph W. Royer, who planned several other Illinois courthouses, designed the Classical Revival building.

The 1913 courthouse has housed the county's many government functions and kept its public records since its construction.

The two-story structure has a square main block with slightly shorter wings on the east and west sides.

A balustrade encircles the roof's edge and is punctuated by a pediment with a cartouche above the south entrance.

Interior decorations include Doric columns, fretwork floor tiles, Roman-style grilles, and architrave trim.