The Architectural Marvel that Stands Tall
From the quaint streets of Columbus, Bartholomew County emerges a structure of historical and architectural grandeur – the Bartholomew County Courthouse. The courthouse is a masterpiece designed by the acclaimed Indiana architect Isaac Hodgson, a testament to our ancestors’ courageous spirit and visionary foresight.
Built between 1871 and 1874 at $250,000, the courthouse was deemed “the finest in the West” upon completion. The red-brick building trimmed in limestone and towering above the surrounding buildings evokes a sense of awe and admiration.
Its mansard roof, corner pavilions, Corinthian-order portico, and six-level clock tower are a marvel. The clock tower, reaching up to 154 feet, is a distinctive feature that has stood the test of time.
Preserving History Amidst the Modern
A walk through the courthouse takes you on a journey through time. The preserved original interior spaces – marble and terrazzo floors, wood trim, fireplaces, and a spiral staircase – reflect the grandeur of the past.
A remarkable addition made in 1971 was the delicate, lightweight grill work on the three towers, a gift from Elsie Irwin Sweeney.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since November 15, 1979, the courthouse is in the Columbus Historic District. This dual recognition cements its status as an important historical landmark.
A Farsighted Investment That Keeps on Giving
The courthouse’s construction was an architectural endeavor and a visionary community investment. Farsightedness has served the community well. As J. Irwin Miller noted in a 1973 school board address, the decision to think big and plan for the future has resulted in savings for the community.
Instead of constructing a series of smaller, less durable structures, the town has benefited from a single, robust building that has effortlessly adapted to changing needs and times.
Today, the Bartholomew County Courthouse remains a living testament to the benefits of long-term thinking and investment. It’s a timeless reminder of the power of a community when it dares to dream big and plan for the future.
More than a Courthouse: A Hub of Community Activity
The Bartholomew County Courthouse is not merely a place for carrying out judicial proceedings; it’s a vibrant center of community life. With its imposing clock tower, this majestic building has witnessed countless stories and events that form the fabric of Bartholomew County’s history.
The courthouse lawn, in particular, has been the stage for various community events. The most notable is the annual patriotic concert, a beloved tradition in the Columbus community.
Every year, residents gather on the courthouse lawn to enjoy the music of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. With military equipment displays and helicopter landings, this festive event fills the summer air with music, laughter, and camaraderie.
Yet, the courthouse has also seen its share of drama. Sometimes, the courthouse is the backdrop for thrilling episodes, like the attempted escape of individuals during court hearings. While far from the norm, these events add a dash of excitement and suspense to the otherwise solemn atmosphere of the courthouse.
Whether hosting a community event or setting for dramatic episodes, the Bartholomew County Courthouse is more than a judicial structure. It’s a living, breathing entity integral to the community’s daily life. Its walls, floors, and clock tower are all imbued with the spirit of Bartholomew County, bearing silent witness to the county’s past, present, and future.
Embracing the Future: The Recent Revamp
The Bartholomew County Courthouse has recently been renovated, particularly in the Bartholomew Circuit courtroom.
The renovation included installing new and sophisticated audio/video systems in all three main courtrooms to provide state-of-the-art teleconferencing abilities. A wall was also torn down to make the room larger to maintain social distancing, and a larger bench was constructed.
Other improvements include laptops to replace desktop computers and the introduction of small holding cells for defendants awaiting their hearings. These renovations were primarily completed by January 2021.
A Testament to Bartholomew County’s Spirit
As time passes and the world constantly evolves, the Bartholomew County Courthouse steadfastly embodies a sense of historical importance and unyielding community spirit in Bartholomew County, Indiana.
Every brick and limestone trim of this Second Empire-style courthouse echoes the courageous spirit of our ancestors who dared to dream big.
The tall clock, the intricate grillwork on the three towers, the marble and terrazzo floors, and the wood trim and fireplaces—all these speak volumes about the painstaking efforts of those who came before us, their commitment to their community, and their deep respect for architectural beauty and functionality. The courthouse’s grandeur and the stories it silently tells are an enduring tribute to its visionary planning and farsighted investment.
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