The Decatur County Courthouse is one of the most famous courthouses in the U.S. For 150 years, a…read moretree has grown out of the structure's clock tower, grabbing the attention of visitors. The Courthouse is the second dedicated courthouse of Decatur County. Plans for the building were drafted in 1854 by a committee composed of B. Y. Wilson, I. G. Monfort and B. H. Harney. Construction was overseen by Indianapolis architect, Edwin May, who designed the Indiana State House. The final cost of the Romanesque brink structure and grounds was $120,000. The courthouse opened in 1861. Rennovations to update and repair the building have been made periodically throughout the years beginning in 1889 and an expansion in 1997. The staff is friendly and the officer relayed anecdotal stories about the tree(s). The original tree appeared in the 1870s. Additional sprouts appeared over the years, but have been culled to protect the structure. The tree that exists today is a spout of the original tree. The tree has been identified as a large tooth aspen. Inside the courthouse has been preserved throughout history. Iron stairs ascend to the second floor courts. Original oak trim and some furniture adorn the halls. Historical transfer books neatly stacked in cubbies. Court was in session, so I was unable to visit the courtrooms. Framed historical newspaper articles tell stories from the past. The Courthouse is uniquely poised for visitors. On the immaculate grounds surrounding the Courthouse are a War Memorial and several historic markers.

I was drawn here by the "See the tree" signs as I exited the interstate to fill up with gas. I…read moreended up staying for a few hours to use one of the power outlets that are along the curb of the courthouse to charge up my house battery in the Sprinter van. While here, I enjoyed the markers in the courthouse and of course, the tree. The marker reads, "Site of the original court house built in 1827 and occupied until 1854. Present building completed in 1860. Large tooth aspen tree appeared in 1870 on the roof of the 115 foot clock tower. In July, 1863, it became a temporary armory while troops bivouacked on the lawn. The treasurer's office held provisions to feed 10 regiments. The 7th Regimental Band had played weekly on the square before being militarized. Many political figures have given speeches from the steps. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973." Yes, there is a tree growing on the roof. It was noticed in 1870 and it's a tourist draw. Yes, a real tree. [Review 20519 overall - 65 in Indiana - round number 1500 of 2023.]

I found out about this place after the post office canceled the passport appointment I had…read morescheduled for my son a month in advance. Thankfully, I learned that this location accepts walk-ins for passport services. I called ahead to confirm, and I'm really glad I did. They don't offer photo services like the post office, so I had to make an extra stop to get photos taken. I had also already prepaid for a money order on the processing fee, but it turned out they accept credit/debit cards or cash for that portion of the cost ($35), so I ended up paying that way instead (since my money order was too much ($50) because of the extra photo service charge I had opted for originally with the post office). The payment to the U.S. department of state ($130) still had to be money order/cashiers check or a check which I had a money order for that. The building itself is beautiful, very historic with a old-timey vibe. I enjoyed sightseeing around the building, checking out all the landmarks. When we arrived, the security guard at the front was helpful and guided us to the correct area. The staff member who assisted us was also very friendly, which made the process smooth. Parking was free and available around the building, which made things even easier. When I called ahead, they also let me know which entrance to use since some were closed, and that was really helpful. I'm so grateful this option was available the same day. It was convenient, easy to access, and the service was great, plus, the building itself was a nice bonus to see.

The Johnson County Courthouse stands on a prominent square in Franklin. The Courthouse, designed by…read morearchitect George W. Buenting, was completed in 1881 and is a mixture of Italianate and other styles. The courthouse is the 4th dedicated structure for Johnson County. (Two previous courthouses were destroyed by fire.) The exterior of the building is a combination of brick and limestone. A central clock tower with working bell is prominent. Several war memorials stand in the courtyard including a bronze Civil War sculpture by John Vawter. Inside, marble floors, curved stairways, carved woodwork and other woodwork captured my attention. A central atrium with a beautiful lit ceiling is the centerpiece of the building. The building is pristine with the most recent renovation completed in 1983. The security guard was friendly and directed me to the clerk's office for information. There are several courtrooms in the building. The Superior Court was close to original 1881 condition with folding seating made of wrought iron and oak. Other courtrooms had been modernized. Free parking surrounds the Courthouse square. The building is fully accessible. The Courthouse is worth a visit if you are interested in architecture and history.

The historic Hamilton County Courthouse in Noblesville is one of the older functioning courthouses…read morein the state, dedicated in 1878. The building was designed by famous Indianapolis architect, Edwin Mays, but completed by J. C. Johnson. (Mays went on to design the Indiana Statehouse, but became paralyzed during the project and died in 1880.) The courthouse is French Second Empire and I think the French influence is evident from grand facade outside. The clocktower has been replaced due to failure of the original structure (similar to the Montgomery County Courthouse clocktower). Inside, the staff is friendly. The deputy welcomed me, told me where to find courthouse artifacts and encouraged me to peek inside the courtroom. Other staff members also asked if I needed assistance. The courthouse has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years and offices are 1990's "modern" while the halls are original. Most notable are the twin staircases with short bannisters and steps. The floors are a mix of marble and mosaic tile. Some of the original cabinetry stands in the halls. Lovely leaded glass windows crown entryways. Unlike other Indiana courthouses, there is no grand dome that can be seen from the inside. The original bench of the courtroom has been maintained, while seating was updated at some point. A plaque notes the 1925 historic conviction of Klu Klux Klan leader, D. C. Stephenson, for the brutal attack that led to the death of Madge Oberholtzer. Stephenson's conviction contributed to the demise of the Klan. A cabinet on the third floor holds interesting artifacts such as one of the original hands of the clock and photograph of the original building. Today, a tunnel runs from the basement of the courthouse to a government complex across the street. The original sheriff's house and prison sits on the Square, now housing a museum. There is limited parking around the square. The building is accessible through an entrance ramp and there is an elevator inside. I recommend visiting on a Thursday or Friday, when the Sheriff's House/Museum is opened. Around the Square are several good restaurants and antiques shops. Worth a visit, for sure.

The Shelby County Court House is unusual by Indiana standards. Unlike most courthouses around the…read moreState, this courthouse does not stand on a grand downtown square surrounded by local businesses. The building is located several blocks south of the town square and is surrounded by other government offices in a campus-like setting. Additionally, the Shelby County Court House is distinctively Art Deco in style and architecture. Built in 1936, the Court House is the third building, replacing former damaged and obsolete structures. Bohlen and Son designed the structure. Currently, the front steps are undergoing renovation. The public entrance is in the rear, where there is also an accessible ramp. Visitors pass through security. The deputies were welcoming and super helpful during my visit. While there is no formal visitor tour, I was welcome to explore and take photos (no courts were in session). The Art Deco atrium is fabulous with classic railings and lovely green swirl marble on the walls. The first floor houses several clerk offices and the courtrooms are upstairs. Beyond the atrium, most of the original Art Deco features have been removed and updated. The grounds are tidy without fanfare. There is a single monument in front honoring those who served in the Civil War and a tree honoring a local deputy lost the line of duty. There is free parking around the building and public restrooms available inside. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. This is a lovely piece of architecture and worth a visit.

I got that dreaded letter in the mail recently: I was being summoned for jury duty! Because I'm a…read moreresident of Hamilton County, I had to report to this particular court house. My experience being called for jury duty was fine. The people who work here are very professional and efficient. The building itself is beautiful. If you do have to serve on a jury and spend some time here, there are lots of restaurant options to choose from. I ended up being dismissed before lunch. Keep in mind that they don't allow you to park outside of the courthouse itself. There's a free parking garage a block away at which jurors are instructed to park. I would add an additional 10 minutes to your trip to find parking and walk to the courthouse. It's not far away, but there's a traffic light that takes a while. Also keep in mind: Before you enter the courthouse, you have to walk through a body scanner and empty your pockets. It's very easy but also kind of a pain, but I guess it's necessary in these strange and unpredictable times.

This review is for the Clerk's Office of Hamilton County. I needed a copy of my 45 year old…read moreMarriage License for the new Real ID Driver's License. So off we go to Noblesville. After the quick security check, the women at the Information Desk explained directions clearly and made it very easy to find. What a pleasant surprise when we walked into the Clerk's Office without a line or even a wait. Asked what I needed, I told her and she didn't bat an eye, roll her eyes or take the deep, loud sigh. She was friendly, professional, personable and efficient!! She continued and less than 5 minutes later I had the Certified License in my hands! Poof! Was that a dream? Wow! We were happily stunned with the entire process. The experience felt like we had a personal friend behind the counter. If you need to get an old Marriage License don't totally dread the process. Hopefully, yours will go as smoothly as ours.

I was excited to visit the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus because the Victorian…read morestructure is whimsical and lovely. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson completed in 1874. The building is Registered as a Historic Landmark. The building is constructed of red brick and trimmed with limestone. The Courthouse is very much a working courthouse. The building house the Circuit Court and two Superior Courts. A person can get a marriage license, pay property taxes or go directly to jail here. I was excited about going inside and seeing what's in those fabulous towers. However, there is no walking tour and no photos are allowed inside. In fact, you must turn your phone off. The interior has been renovated multiple times removing original details. There was no grand atrium that I have seen in other Indiana courthouses. There is a lovely spiral staircase that goes up to the third floor. The courtrooms do have older style (1930's) chairs and bookcases. Many of the doors are antique as well. The courtyard outside has a gorgeous garden and water fountain. There are several war memorials surrounding the building. The grounds are immaculate. There is free parking around the square. Entrants to the building go through security. The guard was all business. There is an ADA access at a different entrance than the front. The businesses surrounding the courthouse are thriving. I would recommend a visit to the grounds of the courthouse as part of a visit to Columbus.

My second courthouse in Indiana and so far, I remain impressed. This is a beautiful structure and…read morewell worth a visit even if you're not here for court business. Batholomew County was formed in 1821and the count seat of Columbus was originally called Tiptona after John Tipton donated thirty acres for the building. Tipton went on to serve as state representative, Indian agent, and United States senator. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson and was completed in 1874. It is the county's fourth courthouse and is in the Second Empire style. Constructed of red brick with white limestone trim, the foundation is rusticated blue limestone. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. [Review 20522 overall - 68 in Indiana - 1503 of 2023.]

I love the castle-like courthouse in Greenfield. The combination of Romanesque and French Gothic…read morestyles was the mastermind of Fort Wayne architects, Wing and Mahurin, in 1896. Geake and Henry constructed the building. The limestone Courthouse sits on a prominent plaza on Main Street in Greenfield, the county seat. In front, stands a beautiful statue of the town's favorite poet, James Whitcomb Riley. Several towers and a prominent center clock tower are exterior focal points. Inside, the deputy staff is friendly and welcoming. They directed me to several cases of historical information and told me I could take photos anywhere except courtrooms, which were in session. This is a fully operational Courthouse. The original treasurer's safe sits in the marble lined lobby. The floor is marble mosaic tiled. The building is mostly original and remodeled in 1990's. Gargoyles peer down periodically. The ceilings have beautiful gilded trim. There are several murals of Revolutionary war scenes and a prominent mural of James Whitcomb Riley surrounded by a group of children. Two sets of fabulous ornate wrought iron stairways lead up two flights. An elevator was added at some point and other updates were evident in several offices. The third floor sits under a beautiful stained glass dome. Arched stain glass windows surround the magnificent dome. The courtrooms sit in the third floor. I really wanted to see the courtrooms, but I didn't want to go to jail. This 130 year old structure is remarkable and a must visit if you are in Greenfield. In fact, this is a destination worthy visit for history and architecture buffs. Free street parking surrounds the building. The building is accessible.

The US government courthouse in Indianapolis is another fine example of neoclassical architecture,…read moreand Indiana limestone construction in this city. I am absolutely amazed at the plethora of great architecture in this city. It is truly underrated, and if you're a fan of this type of construction, it is an absolute must visit. The lawn on the courthouse is spacious and well tended, with many mature trees, and beautiful sculpture installations. I have posted just a few photographs to give you a feel for the building and grounds and highly recommend taking a look at this beautiful building when you're in the downtown area.

I stopped into the county building to check out the courthouse because we have an assisted living…read moreassault case going to trial in Judge Powers's courtroom. The staff was super nice and unlocked the courtroom so I could check out the space. Projector--built in, ceiling mount--and screen, mics, plenty of space, really nice place to try a case.