The first courthouse was built in 1843 and was destroyed by fire in 1859. The second courthouse was completed in 1863; and on September 12, 1882, like its predecessor, burned to the ground. The current courthouse was erected between 1883 and 1885 and at the time, cost the county $97,124.27. It is 78 feet across by 134 feet long with a 213 foot tower. The clock is 9 feet in diameter and in 1889 was illuminatedfor the first time. The first jail was located behind the courthouse, but over time became dilapidated and was torn down. The second jail was built in 1875 and was used as a medium to maximum security prison until 1995. There is only one recorded execution in the history of the county dated June 1, 1911. Tickets were distributed to certain officials of the community to witness the hanging.
