Throughout July, KTVO is taking a look at historical places around our neighborhoods.
BLOOMFIELD, IOWA -- When searching for some of the historical treasures in the area, just take a look at the town squares in the Heartland. One noticeable landmark: the Davis County Courthouse.
Diana Upton-Hill is the Program Coordinator for Bloomfield Main Street, the organization dedicated to urban revitalization and historical preservation.
"Well the courthouse is one of our crowning jewels in town. It is one of the very first things a person sees when they enter the community from any direction," Upton-Hill said.
In November of 1876, the ground was cleared in the center of town to prepare for construction. The building was fashioned in an architectural style known as French Renaissance Revival or Second Empire.
"Some of the interesting facts about this one: the courthouse tower is actually 9 feet off center. It's closer to the east side than it is the west. The bell inside weighs about 2,000 pounds and the hammer that strikes the bell is 25 pounds," Upton-Hill said.
Construction was underway in 1877, and was completed at a cost of just over $45,000.
"At the top of the belfry, you can see that there is the goddess of justice. And in one hand she has scales, and in the other hand she has a sword…and it’s a life-sized statue," Upton-Hill said.
KTVO took a tour of the courthouse which has a total of 115 windows.
"There are 40 rooms in the building and the courtroom itself seats 300 people. The courthouse basement housed the county jail until the fall of 1973, then the jail relocated," Upton-Hill said.
She added that there are few courthouses in America today that resemble the architecture of the Davis County Courthouse...and that it is special to have it in Bloomfield.
"The courthouse itself, along with all of the town square, are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is unique to have an entire district versus just one particular building," Upton-Hill said.
And the public is always welcome to take a tour.
"The staff on hand is very good about giving tours just on a walk-in basis. You can also schedule a tour if you like," Upton-Hill said.
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