The architectural firm of Yost & Packard of Columbus designed the courthouse and construction was overseen by T.B.

The County Commissioners took possession of the new building on August 31, 1896, and the new Common Pleas Courtroom was dedicated on September 7, 1896.

They were only exceeded by the hands on the clock of the Chronicle newspaper building in San Francisco which were 16.5 feet (5.0 m) in diameter.

[3] The east wall depicts Fort Meigs, a vital outpost in the War of 1812, and the west wall depicts a train passing through oil derricks in southern Wood County, a major producer of oil in the late 19th century.

[5] Jimmy Hoffa visited the courthouse on September 25, 1937 to get a marriage license, and married his wife in Bowling Green the same day.

[6][7] President Ronald Reagan delivered a speech at the courthouse on October 19, 1988 to promote the candidacy of George H. W.

The outer ring on numerals is painted black iron which is easily readable when in direct sunlight.

Construction of the old Wood County Jail, located next to the courthouse, was begun on May 21, 1901, and completed in 1902 at a cost of $49,000.