This was my first time visiting the Morgan County Courthouse. Specifically I did my business with…read morethe Clerk of Courts which is still in this building and not the new building with the new courtrooms. The staff was super friendly in the Clerk's office. They helped us understand the petition we were filing and all the next steps involved. They also helped us understand a question we had about one of the options on the petition. The officers at the entrance were very helpful with access since I am temporarily in a wheelchair this summer. They said it is still unknown if the Clerk of Courts office will stay in the courthouse or move to the new building.

When you drive up to the Morgan County Courthouse, you would never guess the building was built…read morepre-Civil War. The original structure was designed by Isaac Hodgson, an Irish born architect who designed four courthouses in Indiana. The Morgan County Courthouse, started in 1857 and completed 1859, was the first courthouse he designed in the state. The courthouse sits on a central square in the city of Martinsville. Additions that maintained the original Italianate style were added 1895, 1912, 1934, 1956 and in 1970s. Currently, a new judicial building is under construction a block away from the courthouse. After the new building opens, the historical courthouse will enjoy another renovation. The sheriff's staff is super friendly, and indicated very little original interior exists. Modern updates brought plumbing, electricity, phones, heating, air conditioning and electronics to this historic structure. It is difficult to find any evidence of the original courthouse on the inside. Courtrooms and offices have been updated with electronics and furniture. There was no info on history within the building, which was disappointing. But it is a working courthouse. Outside, a Civil war era canon points west, protecting the building from Illinois. On the west side of the building, sits the original sheriff's home. There is free parking around the square. The building is wheelchair accessible.

Love love love this library! We are frequent patrons of this library. Our family has a great time…read morehere. Our son has read over 1000 books over 4 years n is thirsty for more great reading experiences. We love abundant resources for learning and information. We also love their movies DVD rentals options. Love it!

The staff here has always been super helpful and supportive taking care of my needs. For a…read moregovernment office type of place, I can't say enough good things about the friendly and helpful people working here. They are all very nice folks and I appreciate their assistance. I have been visiting this office occasionally since 2019 and the above statements have been true the whole time.

yo Ryan is the goat. He was super helpful in replacing my missing driver's license. Stopped here…read morefrom out of town and they were way more helpful than my local branch.

This BMV is clean, large, plenty of seating, and has lots of knowledgeable employees that are…read morefriendly and helpful. It's rare to have to wait more than 10 minutes at this location. Go during the off peak times and you might be the only customer in the place, ha.

I've been on a mission to visit all the covered bridges in Indiana because I love the history and…read morestructural beauty of these landmarks. I especially like when the bridge is still original and operational. The Bean Blossom Covered Bridge was built in 1880 by Joseph Baisley. The bridge is on a dilapidated road, Covered Bridge Road, half mile southwest of Bean Blossom off Rt 135. The single lane bridge is a classic single Howe through truss design. I walked across the bridge. I wonder what famous people crossed the bridge back when this was the only route to Nashville. The bridge is in pretty good shape for the age. I noticed some of the floor nails have popped up, so be careful if you drive over it. Unfortunately, vandals have left graffiti inside the beautiful structure. Covered Bridge Road is in disrepair with large holes in the asphalt. The road turns to gravel past the bridge. There is really no place to park except to block the road. Fortunately, we saw no traffic during our visit, so we could study the bridge. You know it's going to be a 5 star because I never met a covered bridge that I didn't like.

Indiana has lots and lots of covered bridges. I've been to a few of them. Bean Blossom is one of…read morethe loveliest. With only a 9 foot clearance, it was too small for the "Free Candy!" van that needs 10 feet but that's okay. I was still able to walk it and admire this fabulous construction. Built in 1880 and with a span of 101 feet, it carries this narrow lane across Bean Blossom Creek. Of course, State Road 135 is nearby if you're also not able to drive across. The road down the valley to the bridge is narrow and after a short while, it is gravel only. A short wider area near the bottom for you to pull over and park. But much of the road is one lane so drive with care. [Review 20551 overall - 89 in Indiana - 1532 of 2023.]

We are fortunate to have this group of talented dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to…read moremaintain our safety. They respond at all hours of the day 24/7 to everything from out of control leaf fires to auto accidents in a complex community and terrain. Just last week, the team put out a barn fire at 1:00 on a Friday night. Throughout the year they host fundraising and community events to ensure they have support to do their jobs well. They also engage in community outreach especially with young people. At the recent Ox Roast, children were encouraged to explore the fire truck. They host events that bring the community together such as the Haunted Halloween walk. The staff is friendly, polite and knowledgable. These folks are role models in the community.

Any organization that supports local business as much as your local chamber of commerce deserves 5…read morestars. If you are a small business owner you can use the unlimited amount of resources that they provide. If you are new to an area you can visit your local chamber to find out whats happening in your community. While supporting your local chamber your supporting growth in your community and the small business's that make it.

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.]