The court rejected a lower bid because they questioned its validity. Cornerstone ceremonies were conducted October 19, 1882. The shell of the building was erected first, and the interior was finished as finances allowed. The court received the building May 9, 1883. The tall, square tower above the entry, as shown in Figure 2, is no longer there.
Decorative brick corbeling just below the eaves provides a transition from wall to roof.
The steeply sloped mansard roofs and projecting dormer windows are covered with slate and metal roofing. Cresting originally crowned the roof line. Bibliography Books History of Holt and Atchison Counties . Atchison County Mail , Jan. 26, June 17, 1882. Manuscript Collections Work Projects Administration, Historical Records Survey, Missouri, 1935-1942.