Appanoose County Courthouse

The Appanoose County Courthouse is an administrative building in Centerville with a symmetrical design, polygonal bays, and rough stone walls. A central clock tower topped with round arch windows crowns the structure and defines the townscape.

Construction began in 1903 under the supervision of the Des Moines architectural firm Wetherell and Gage, with William Peatman managing the project. The completed building has served as an important administrative and judicial center since its completion.

The courthouse serves as the heart of the Courthouse Square Historic District and has been where the community gathers for civic matters since the early 1900s. You can see local identity reflected in how the building anchors the town center and brings people together.

The building is centrally located in Centerville and easily walkable from downtown, as it dominates the Courthouse Square. The traditional stone construction has weathered well over time, though the exterior shows its age naturally.

The building combines different architectural elements, including classical pediments across its facade. This blend of design styles makes it a noteworthy example of early 1900s courthouse architecture.

Location: Centerville

Inception: 1903

Part of: Courthouse Square Historic District

GPS coordinates: 40.73377,-92.87447

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:26