The current courthouse is the county's 3rd courthouse. Construction began on this building as soon as the lot was cleared of debris from the fire. Work was completed on the building in late 1875. This building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The architect, J.C. Cochrane of Chicago, also designed the Iowa State Capital.
The contracted building cost, including furniture, heating apparatus, and gas lighting, was set at $75,000 (About $10 million in 2015 dollars). Only $50 was allowed for cost overruns. A singular commentary on the building is, that no sooner was it accepted and paid for, than the contractors were called into a court of bankruptcy. It is believed that they lost $15,000 on the job.
It was originally heated using wood or coal burning stoves in each room. Electricity and steam heat were added to the building in 1891, and the clocks which sit in the center spire of the building were installed in 1892.
