In 1839, the more centrally located Hillsdale[2] began agitating for the seat, and in 1843 the state legislature agreed.

That structure burned in 1849, and a new sandstone courthouse was completed by early 1851.

The county hired Claire Allen of Jackson to design the building and Geake and Henry of Fort Wayne, Indiana to construct it.

Construction occurred over 1898-99, and the building was dedicated on September 6, 1899.

[3] The Hillsdale County Courthouse is a three-story yellow sandstone Renaissance Revival structure.