The courthouse was built from 1968 to 1969 by contractor Freeto Construction Company Inc. of Pittsburg, Kansas.

Kiene & Bradley Architects of Topeka, Kansas designed the courthouse in the Modern style.

The courthouse is located on spacious landscaped grounds at the city's center.

The county seat was disputed from 1869 to 1873 with eight elections being held to determine in which city it would be located.

The first courthouse was three stories, constructed of red brick and native stone by Gauth & Sedley in 1885 and designed by William R. Parson.