1847 - The first courthouse was a temporary structure, built on Cherry Street, south of the current courthouse square. The foundation measured 26 by 52 feet and it was made of brick. It cost the county $2,015. It was eventually sold to a church for $800.
1858 - The second courthouse was contracted for a sum of $64,300 and took several years to complete. Another $30,000 was needed to complete the two-story building which had an 87 foot dome. Later, an addition was added and some repairs were made, which brought the total cost to over $103,000. The needs of the county outgrew the courthouse, which was only used for 40 years.
1900 -Construction began on the current courthouse and it was built on the same square as the former 1858 building. Designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Proudfoot and Bird the newer building was designed in the Federalist architecture or Beaux Arts style with a clock tower and cupola emerging from its center.
1906 - Construction was completed. Built with grey limestone the interior contains many elaborate features including original columns, stairways, and walls made of marble, wrought iron fixtures, carved woodwork and stained glass. There are numerous murals on the fourth floor by Charles A. Cummings and Edward Simmons. Its original cost was $750,000.
1979 -The Polk county Courthouse is added the National Register of Historic Places.
Iowa Courthouses: Polk County Courthouse Blog
Iowa Courthouses: Polk County
Wikipedia: Polk County Courthouse
Iowa Judicial Branch: Polk County Courthouse
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