Jackson County Courthouse (Bellevue, Iowa)

Jackson County Courthouse
The former Jackson County Courthouse, now an elementary school.
Location Bounded by Third, State, Fourth, and Court Sts., Bellevue, Iowa
Coordinates 42°15′27″N 90°25′34″W / 42.25750°N 90.42611°W / 42.25750; -90.42611Coordinates: 42°15′27″N 90°25′34″W / 42.25750°N 90.42611°W / 42.25750; -90.42611
Built 1845
Architect Dohaney & Jones
Architectural style Greek Revival
MPS County Courthouses in Iowa TR
NRHP reference # 81000248[1]
Added to NRHP July 2, 1981

Jackson County Courthouse is the former courthouse for Jackson County, Iowa, United States. It is located in Bellevue and was built in the Greek Revival style in 1845.[1] It currently serves as Bellevue's public elementary school, the oldest functioning school in the state of Iowa.

History

A county seat rivalry moved the Jackson County seat between Bellevue (1838–48), Andrew (1848-51), Bellevue again (1851–61), Andrew once more (1861-73), finally ending up in Maquoketa in 1873.[2]

The courthouse was converted fully to use as a school in 1861,[2] as of 2018 it is the pre-kindergarten through fifth grade Bellevue Elementary School in the Bellevue Community School District serving over 350 students.[3] The original building has since been surrounded by additions, including a gymnasium and cafeteria in the 1950s and two 2-story classroom wings in the 1960s and 70's. Previously, the courthouse was in a park-like, town square setting, but has since been paved with asphalt with trees removed. The building was added to the NRHP on July 2, 1981.

Future

Discussion began in 2018 to determine the future of the building, as the structure is nearing 175 years in service, with significant repairs needed to improve green space, safety, aesthetics, and the overall declining functionality of the building as a 21st-century education center. Major renovations and addition or completely moving the school to a newly constructed building is likely in the near future.

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2007-01-23). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 Division of Historic Preservation (c. 1981). "Iowa Site Inventory: Former Jackson County Courthouse" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2015-04-21. Photo (1978)
  3. ↑ "Bellevue Elementary". Bellevue Community School District. Retrieved 22 April 2015.


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