Bartholomew County Courthouse

Bartholomew County Courthouse is a Second Empire building with red brick walls and limestone trim located in Columbus. It features corner pavilions, a mansard roof, and a six-story clock tower that rises 154 feet (47 meters) above the surrounding streets.

Construction took place between 1871 and 1874, with architect Isaac Hodgson designing the structure and builders McCormack and Sweeny overseeing the work. The building emerged during a period of growth in the region and reflected the county's need for a substantial administrative center.

The courthouse anchors the historic downtown area and shapes how people move through and perceive the city center. Its prominent position makes it a natural gathering point and visual reference that locals and visitors use to orient themselves.

The building sits at the intersection of 3rd and Washington Streets in the heart of downtown, making it easy to find and reach on foot. The open space around it allows you to see the structure from different angles and walk around the exterior at your own pace.

In 1940, a 900-pound weight fell from the clock mechanism, prompting a major overhaul of the system. The original weighted mechanism gave way to an electric motor, transforming how the clock operated.