Van Buren County Courthouse (Iowa)

Van Buren County Courthouse
Location: 904 4th St., Keosauqua, Iowa
Built: 1843
Architect: James Hall, et al.
Architectural style: Greek Revival
Governing body: Local
MPS: County Courthouses in Iowa TR
NRHP Reference#: 77000562 [1]
Added to NRHP: November 9, 1977

The Van Buren County Courthouse in Keosauqua, Iowa, United States was built in 1843. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.[1] It is the only building the county has used as its courthouse, and it is the oldest courthouse in Iowa.[2]

History

The first county seat chosen for Van Buren County was a place by the name of Rochester, however, the territorial governor would not approve of the selection. Keosauqua was chosen in its place and after approval the present courthouse was built. The building was designed in the Greek Revival style. Its framework was constructed in oak and its exterior is brick. The walls are 22 inches (55.88 cm) thick on the first floor and 18 inches (45.72 cm) on the second floor.[2] Truss rods had to be installed in the building to strengthen it.[2]

References