It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.

The county judge had a frame structure built on the north side of the public square for his offices and to sell goods.

The board of supervisors decided to take action on their own and in 1873 a simple building measuring 44 by 60 feet (13 by 18 m) was constructed on the town square in Clarinda for $7,456.

A bond issue was passed by voters in August 1992 for $875,000 and another $175,000 in private donations was raised to replace the clock tower.

In the center of the structure is a high square cupola with a clock, a steep roof, and wrought iron cresting.