It was built in 1897 and added to the National Register of Historic Places July 2, 1981, as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.

[3] It was similar in design to the Greek Revival Scott County Courthouse (1842) in Davenport.

The decision to move the county seat there was made and a new courthouse, which measured 44 by 52 feet (13 m × 16 m), was built in 1869.

A new architect and contractor were hired and elections were held to approve additional funds, which all delayed construction.

Mansfield in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, beat eight other entrants in a design competition for the new courthouse.

[2][3] It is constructed of red sandstone and granite with copper covering the large central tower.

[5] In August 2017, engineers found that one of the beams in the basement that supports the first floor failed due to regular wear.