Mercer County Courthouse, local government building in the United States
The Mercer County Courthouse is a three-story building in Aledo, Illinois, constructed in 1894 from Beria sandstone and designed in Romanesque style. It features four entrances with large arched doorways on each side, a prominent stone clock tower with turrets on the roof, and small dormers that punctuate the roofline.
The courthouse was completed in 1894 after the county seat moved several times, finally settling in Aledo in 1847. Architect Mifflin E. Bell designed this Romanesque Revival structure, which has served as the center of local justice and governance for more than one hundred years.
The courthouse serves as a focal point for the community in Aledo, where residents gather to handle legal matters and participate in civic life. Its central location and prominent stone design reflect the building's role as a symbol of local government and shared civic responsibility.
The courthouse is centrally located in Aledo and easily accessible on foot, with plenty of paved grounds around the building to explore. Public access to the exterior is available so visitors can view the architecture and clock tower, though entry to active courtroom areas may be restricted.
Architect Mifflin E. Bell reused the same building plans for another courthouse in neighboring DuPage County, creating two remarkable Romanesque Revival structures with parallel designs. This design repetition shows how late 19th-century architects offered proven solutions for similar civic projects across different counties.
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