Webster County Courthouse (Iowa)

The Webster County Courthouse is a historic building in Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States.

Construction began in 1859 on an elaborate courthouse, but the cupola could not be built as designed, the specified stone could not be acquired, and the building's plans were constantly being changed.

A larger plot of land was sought for the new building until it was learned that the property the old courthouse stood on would revert to its previous owner.

By 1980, the courthouse required extensive renovations, including a new roof, exterior repairs, restorations to the clock tower, and a refurbished interior; the entire process took several million dollars and over twenty years to complete.

Unlike Iowa's other Beaux Arts courthouses, the long axis of the building is perpendicular to the main facade.

[4] The interior features a rectangular light court that is covered with a white glass barrel-vaulted skylight.