Oct 18, 1972
National Register of Historic Places - Jackson County Courthouse
Statement of Significance: The Jackson County Courthouse is historically significant as the oldest structure in continuous use as a courthouse in Missouri. The structure reflects the stages of physical development which have proved to be characteristic of the majority of the Missouri courthouses. The core of the present building includes the court- house built in 1836a building that has never been torn down during the numerous and extensive rebuilding that followed, though it was extensively remodeled each time. Further significance is contributed to the structure in that it housed for ten years the office of former United States President Harry S. Truman, then Eastern Judge and Pre- siding Judge. Initially, while awaiting the construction of a "permanent" log courthouse, the typical pioneer county court conducted its business in a residential building. As the county expanded and more demands were made of the court, the log structure quickly became outdated. Usually, a two-story, brick building replaced the log one. Generally, the growth of the county again dictated a bigger and better functioning structure. By the 1870's and 1880's, more pretentious and ornamentally elaborate edifices nudged the smaller brick court- house off the courthouse square. Unfortunately, the majority of these buildings burned in the 1890's and early 1900's. Their re- placements represent, with varying degrees of quality, the "Mod- erne" style in courthouse architecture. The first Jackson County Circuit Court convened at the home of John Young on May 29, 1827. "At this meeting the court directed that bid be sought for the building of a temporary log courthouse made of "hewn logs" to be located on a site now near Lexington and Lynn streets the block east of the present public square. Specifications called for the building to be thirty-six feet long and eighteen feet wide. A fireplace was to be placed in each of two rooms. " That same year, the county court moved into its new headquarters--a log courthouse which is still preserved a few blocks from the present building. Within two years, plans were being made for a larger, red brick building which was completed in 1836. Unlike most counties which have lost successive buildings to demolition, fire, or natural decay; Jackson County still possesses its original log courthouse and has retained the basic 1836 structure by incorporating later renovations and additions around it.
National Register of Historic Places - Jackson County Courthouse
Statement of Significance: The Jackson County Courthouse is historically significant as the oldest structure in continuous use as a courthouse in Missouri. The structure reflects the stages of physical development which have proved to be characteristic of the majority of the Missouri courthouses. The core of the present building includes the court- house built in 1836a building that has never been torn down during the numerous and extensive rebuilding that followed, though it was extensively remodeled each time. Further significance is contributed to the structure in that it housed for ten years the office of former United States President Harry S. Truman, then Eastern Judge and Pre- siding Judge. Initially, while awaiting the construction of a "permanent" log courthouse, the typical pioneer county court conducted its business in a residential building. As the county expanded and more demands were made of the court, the log structure quickly became outdated. Usually, a two-story, brick building replaced the log one. Generally, the growth of the county again dictated a bigger and better functioning structure. By the 1870's and 1880's, more pretentious and ornamentally elaborate edifices nudged the smaller brick court- house off the courthouse square. Unfortunately, the majority of these buildings burned in the 1890's and early 1900's. Their re- placements represent, with varying degrees of quality, the "Mod- erne" style in courthouse architecture. The first Jackson County Circuit Court convened at the home of John Young on May 29, 1827. "At this meeting the court directed that bid be sought for the building of a temporary log courthouse made of "hewn logs" to be located on a site now near Lexington and Lynn streets the block east of the present public square. Specifications called for the building to be thirty-six feet long and eighteen feet wide. A fireplace was to be placed in each of two rooms. " That same year, the county court moved into its new headquarters--a log courthouse which is still preserved a few blocks from the present building. Within two years, plans were being made for a larger, red brick building which was completed in 1836. Unlike most counties which have lost successive buildings to demolition, fire, or natural decay; Jackson County still possesses its original log courthouse and has retained the basic 1836 structure by incorporating later renovations and additions around it.
Oct 18, 1972
Posted Date
Aug 18, 2023
Historical Record Date
Oct 18, 1972
Source Name
National Register of Historic Places
