Dearborn was the third county established in Indiana with Lawrenceburg as the County seat. The Courthouse was built 1870-1873 and had a soggy past. The Greek Revival limestone structure, which sits near the banks of the Ohio River, has been flooded several times over the past 150 years with water rising to the second floor. The high water mark is recorded at the south entrance.
A modern addition increased space for County offices while maintaining the architectural intent of the original building. I entered through security which is house in the modern section. The officer on duty was friendly and pointed me towards literature and plaques that describe the history of this beautiful structure.
George Kyle was the architect for the original building. The interior of the historic portion of the building has been restored. The original iron staircase and woodwork have been painted. The center rotunda dome with skylight is painted. The Circuit Court room has been restored with minimum modernization. Stain glass windows were added in 1939 to the courtroom (a gift from judges, prosecutors and attorneys).
There are 3 courtrooms; Seventh Judicial Circuit Court and Dearborn County Superior Courts I and II.
Plaques outside memorialize those local residents who served in wars starting with the Revolutionary War. A large modern marble war memorial also stands on the grounds.
There is limited free parking around the building. This Courthouse is definitely worth a visit. read more