Hardin County Courthouse, County courthouse in Eldora, Iowa, United States
Hardin County Courthouse is a red brick county courthouse in Eldora, Iowa, featuring stone dressings around windows and entryways alongside a foundation of pink Kasota stone. The structure is crowned by a 128-foot bell tower and displays corner turrets, a hipped roof, and cross gables with hewn stone trim.
The current building was constructed in 1892, replacing two earlier structures, with the original courthouse from 1856 destroyed by fire that same year. This succession of courthouse buildings reflects the site's enduring role as the center of county administration and justice in the region.
The building displays statues representing justice, mercy, and liberty positioned in an alcove beneath the bell tower, while frosted glass windows feature the state seal.
The building underwent extensive interior upgrades during 1969 to 1970, including modern electrical systems, concrete flooring, and elevator installation. As an active government building, visitors should be aware that standard courthouse entry procedures and restrictions may apply.
The structure blends Romanesque Revival elements with Queen Anne style features, an unusual architectural combination that sets it apart from typical courthouses of its era. This fusion represents an interesting choice for civic architecture in the late 19th century.
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