The most significant period of courthouse construction began in 1881, after the State Legislature authorized counties to issue bonds to finance new courthouses. Most counties constructed courthouses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the majority of these buildings are still in use today. They were built as monuments to strength, style and dignity. They usually featured a statue of the goddess of liberty or justice, with a symbolic scale or sword in hand, placed atop impressive domed roofs or soaring clock towers. Bill Morgan, in his typical humorous prose, tells of a disgruntled litigant who came out of court one day, drew his pistol and shot off the scales on the statue of justice.
Courthouses are legacies bestowed by previous generations.
Current courthouse occupants are brief parts of the building's history. The preservation of a historic county courthouse demonstrates long-term vision on the part of the community and its elected officials. Historic courthouses are traditionally the grandest and most prominent buildings in the county. These structures help give counties and communities their unique identities. Not every community has a historic courthouse, and no two historic courthouses are exactly alike.