The courthouse is currently on the National Register of Historic Places and the oldest public building in the state of Nebraska.

The original courthouse, a simple two-story building, was built in 1865 by William R. Craig and F. W. Wood, costing $22,500 at the time.

[1] This was a vast improvement upon its predecessors, consisting of small offices in local stores and a cabin at one point.

This added a large wing to the square building where the courts and department offices are today.

A mural outside the courtrooms shows the history of Nebraska City and of the courthouse.