About Marion County, Iowa
Some say Marion County, Iowa was named for a pioneer who was a favorite character among early settlers. It could also have been named for Francis Marion, American commander in the Revolutionary War. The popularity of the name is attested by the 17 counties in the U.S. of that name. Marion County, Iowa, was formally organized in 1845, and Knoxville was chosen as the county seat.
First Meeting
The first meeting of the Marion County Supervisors took place on September 12, 1845, in a cabin.
Courthouses
The first courthouse was a log cabin, constructed by Lewis M. Pearce. The 24 feet wide and 30 feet long building was used for court, religious services, and school.
In 1856, the people became dissatisfied and decided the county was rich enough to have a new and larger courthouse. A two-story brick structure was built with a large courtroom that had seating for up to 400 people. Unfortunately, a windstorm in 1895 caused serious structural problems. The building was closed and condemned.
As a result, the Board called for a special election to replace the 1856 brick courthouse. Voters approved a measure to build a new courthouse by a vote of 2,175 to 1,817.
Erected in 1857.
Architectural plans for the new courthouse were made by Mifflin E. Bell, an active architect in Iowa and Illinois in the late 19th century. Bell also worked for some time on the Iowa Capitol and the completion of the Washington Monument. The courthouse, still used today, is reminiscent of the Queen Anne style with several Romanesque elements.
Another new courthouse was proposed in the 1960s but was voted down. Instead, updating the old courthouse began in 1972. Over the years, windows have been replaced, a new roof installed, an elevator installed, courtrooms have been remodeled, and more.
Today, the beautiful old courthouse has a good sound foundation and an interior full of history. For additional information on the Marion County Courthouse, and other historical structures in Marion County, go to the links listed below.
Courthouse Memorials
The Iowa Flag
The Iowa flag was designed by Marion County native Dixie Cornell Gebhardt. The flag was carried during World War I by local troops and the Iowa Legislature approved it as the state flag on March 29, 1921. A memorial to Gebhardt is located on the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn. The original flag design can be seen on the first floor of the courthouse.
Red Rock Line
A marker is located on the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn for Red Rock Line. Red Rock Line represented the furthest west settlers were allowed from 1843 to 1845 due to an 1842 treaty with Sac and Fox tribal nations.
War Remembrances
The lawn of the courthouse includes several remembrances honoring our war veterans. And inside the courthouse are several displays listing our veterans and showcasing wartime items.
100th Birthday
In 1996, an open house with period costumes and entertainment was held to honor the 100th birthday of our Courthouse. This celebration coincided with the sesquicentennial of the State of Iowa.
