Taylor County Courthouse
Although there are few records of
Taylor County business from 1854 to 1866, there is evidence that plans for a
courthouse were begun in 1863. When completed, this courthouse was made of
stone and sat on the south side of the square. As the county's needs expanded,
additional office space was rented in town.
The cornerstone for a new
courthouse was laid in June of 1892. The three-story castle was completed in
the spring of 1893 at a cost of $38,810. It is made of pressed brick and
Bedford limestone and has a large dome with an illuminated clock. Unique
characteristics of the interior include the fireplaces that are featured in
most of the rooms and an elegant spiral staircase. The Romanesque style
structure serves the county today.
The contractor lost money
on the project, so the county gave him an additional $1,000 and a gold watch to
thank him for remaining faithful to the original contract price.