Humboldt County Courthouse

The Humboldt County Courthouse is a three-story rectangular building in Dakota City, Iowa, constructed with buff-colored brick and limestone trim on a raised basement foundation. The structure follows PWA Moderne design principles, featuring a straightforward form and solid construction typical of public buildings from the late 1930s.

Built in 1939 with Public Works Administration funding, it replaced a courthouse from 1873 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The interior showcases Depression-era design with colorful terrazzo floors and Art Deco details that reflect the artistic choices made during its construction in the late 1930s.

The building serves as the administrative and judicial center for Humboldt County in Dakota City. Visitors can access information about court proceedings and public records during regular business hours.

The cornerstone was laid on April 30, 1938, marking a significant investment in the community during the Great Depression when such spending was critical for local development. The construction cost of roughly 185,000 dollars reflected the importance placed on creating lasting public infrastructure.

Location: Iowa

Architectural style: PWA Moderne

GPS coordinates: 42.72250,-94.21610

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02