Interesting factoid: Carroll County was named after Charles Carroll, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Carroll County Courthouse sits on a square in Delphi, which is the county seat.
I like the simplicity of the Courthouse Square. At the southeast corner of the Square is a huge memorial honoring those that fought in the Civil War with the Courthouse behind. Small local businesses and restaurants surround the Square with most architecture original.
This is the second courthouse in Delphi. The first courthouse (Victorian Style) was built in 1841 and served the community until 1917. A photo of the original courthouse hangs in the current courthouse.
The current Neoclassical Courthouse was designed by the architects of Elmer E. Dunlap Co., Indianapolis. A. E. Kenner completed construction for the opening.
The interior of the building is breathtaking. The center atrium is crowned by a magnificent stained glass dome. A beautiful mosaic tiled floor sits beneath the dome. Spiral marble staircases with decorative iron bannisters ascend to the second and third floors. Blue trim sets off the interior. Elmer did a fabulous job. Most of the building is original, including offices and the Circuit Courtroom.
The bell from the first courthouse is on display in the lobby. A war honor roll is on the wall.
Staff and people I met in the Courthouse were friendly and knowledgeable about the building.
The Courthouse is fully operational. The local heath department was handing out free medical supplies. Court was in session. Clerks were available to take various payments.
I think there is a museum in the basement, but I missed going down. There's plenty of free parking around the Square.
This is a fabulous Courthouse, well worth the drive to Delphi. read more