It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.

Initially, Franklin County business was enacted in the home of Judge James B. Reeve.

County records were kept at a school until a new courthouse built of stone was constructed in the middle of the square.

[5] The high foundation of the building and surround of the large round-arch main entrance is composed of rusticated stone.

The tower itself has a four-faced clock and a statue of a classical figure at each corner of the bell chamber.