Van Buren County Courthouse
Van Buren County Courthouse, County courthouse in Keosauqua, Iowa.
Description
Van Buren County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Keosauqua built before the Civil War with thick brick walls and oak support beams. The second floor holds a spacious courtroom with an open ceiling uninterrupted by columns or pillars.
History
The building was constructed in 1843 and shaped the state's legal system from the start. In 1845, it hosted the first capital trial in Iowa history, marking it as a place of pioneering legal development.
Culture
Framed photographs of all judges who have worked here line the interior walls, creating a visual record of the people who shaped justice in this county. The display gives visitors a sense of the ongoing human tradition behind the legal decisions made within these rooms.
Practical
The building is open to the public during business hours at 406 Dodge Street with ample parking nearby. Keep in mind this is an active courthouse, so some areas may be restricted depending on ongoing proceedings or court sessions.
Did you know?
It is the oldest continuously operating courthouse in Iowa, and only one other courthouse anywhere is older and still in use. This unbroken continuity makes it a living witness to two centuries of uninterrupted legal proceedings.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Iowa).
American Gothic House
29.7 km
Battle of Athens State Historic Site
27.2 km
Bentonsport
13.3 km
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
3 km
Hotel Manning
426 m
Aunty Green Hotel
14.2 km
Sharon Cemetery Historic District
25.5 km
R. Bruce and May W. Louden House
30.2 km
McHaffey Opera House
30 km
US Senator James F. Wilson House
29.7 km
Des Moines River Locks No. 5 and No. 7
14.3 km
Meek's Flour Mill
14 km
Eldon Public Library
30.3 km
Troy Academy
20.9 km
R.R. and Antoinette Louden House
30.2 km
Fairfield Public Library
30.3 km
Big 4 Fair Art Hall
28.8 km
Franklin Pearson House
449 m
Fred and Rosa Fulton Barn
23.8 km
Louden Whirl-Around
29.5 km
Bonaparte Pottery Archeological District
14.3 km
James F. Clarke House
30 km
Kilbourn Bridge
7.4 km
R. B. and Lizzie L. Louden House
30.3 km
Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District
14.1 km
American Gothic House Center
29.7 km
William and Mary Jane Louden House
30.3 km
O.F. and Lulu E. Fryer House
29.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes