Vigo County Courthouse

The Vigo County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Terre Haute designed in the Second Empire style with a distinctive mansard roof and limestone exterior. The building houses courtrooms in its upper floors and serves as the main venue for civil legal matters in the county.

A renowned architect designed this building in 1884, and construction was completed in the late 1880s as an expression of the county's growing prosperity. The project reflected the region's ambitions to establish itself as a modern American municipality.

The courthouse has served as the civic center for legal proceedings and an important gathering place for Vigo County residents since it opened. Its grand interiors with soaring ceilings communicate authority and order through their physical design.

The building sits in the downtown area and is easy to find when exploring the streets near the local business district. Visitors should come during daytime hours when operations are active and the interiors are accessible.

A large bell manufactured specifically for this building hangs inside and recalls the generosity of a local leader from the founding era. This bell is an often overlooked detail that reveals the personal story behind the structure.

Location: Terre Haute

Inception: 1888

Architects: Samuel Hannaford

Architectural style: Second Empire style

GPS coordinates: 39.46583,-87.41444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00