Webster County Courthouse

Webster County Courthouse is a four-story stone building in Fort Dodge that features classical details, symmetrical proportions, and a prominent clock tower on Central Avenue. The structure displays typical Beaux-Arts characteristics like precise proportions and decorative elements that mark it as an important administrative building.

Architect Henry C. Koch designed this building in 1902 as a replacement for an older courthouse from 1861. The new construction happened after Fort Dodge was established as the county seat.

The building shapes the identity of Fort Dodge as a symbol of local governance and displays Beaux-Arts features that visitors notice when walking through the area. Its location on Central Avenue makes it a natural meeting point and landmark for people moving through downtown.

The building houses county administrative offices, courtrooms, and public meeting spaces that you can see when visiting. Keep in mind that this is an active government building and access to certain areas may be limited for security reasons.

The building's clock tower received special attention during restoration work in the 1990s and early 2000s, with significant funds going toward its repair. This work saved a characteristic feature that now functions again and defines the skyline.