Warsaw Courthouse Square Historic District

The Warsaw Courthouse Square Historic District is an area of thirteen buildings in the center of this small town, built between 1870 and the early 1900s. The structures combine Renaissance Revival style elements like stone decorative details and arched windows with practical functions for government and business.

Growth began in 1870 when the town became the county seat, and the railroad arrived shortly after. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railway's arrival accelerated development rapidly and led to the quick construction of these government and business centers.

The square served as the center of public life in this town and reflects the importance of law, commerce, and community gathering. The buildings show what roles the courts, music venues, and fraternal organizations played in how people lived together.

The area spreads across two blocks in downtown between Main, Indiana, Center, and Lake Streets. You can explore it easily on foot and view the different buildings from outside, or take time to look closely at the architectural details of each facade.

A distinctive feature is the jail building at Main and Indiana Street, designed by architect George Garnsey in 1870. This three-story structure shows a different architectural language from most other buildings on the square.