The historic Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown is one of the finest preserved courthouses in Indiana. An original water pump stands in front of the building which is surrounded by a Victorian wrought iron fence. The classical Revival building was technically a redesign of an earlier 1872 courthouse by architects Elmer Dunlap and Marshall Arman and constructed 1910-1911. (Dunlap designed other courthouses in Indiana including the Carroll County Courthouse in Delphi.) Dunlap's renovation increased square footage and modernized the building to 1910 standards.
Today, court is held in a newly constructed Judicial Center across the street. The historic building still houses county offices, but the magnificent former courtroom is now a dedicated community meeting room.
The Courthouse has a breathtaking stain glass arched dome in a center atrium. Historic 1934 murals depicting indigenous and pioneer scenes in Indiana are under the dome. Original mosaic tile floors and detailed wrought iron stairways are maintained.
The original former courtroom (community room) maintains much of the original detail including fold down gallery seating, tray ceilings, oak flooring. Modernization (2004) includes upholstered seating, tv monitors and security.
There are several original safes in the building that protect important documents. Staff members encouraged us to examine these extraordinary safes.
A famous fire occurred in 1959 when the clock tower was hit by lightning. The tower was restored in 1959. A photo of the fire is an office on the second floor.
There is a war memorial and a tank on the grounds of the Square. Free parking surrounds the square. The Courthouse is well worth a visit. It's a step back in time. read more