The first buildings used by Henry County government when it was organized in 1837 was a series of log cabins in Mount Pleasant. This was a typical practice of most counties in Iowa.[2] Plans for the first courthouse were accepted in June 1837, but construction of the 30-by-18-foot (9.1 by 5.5 m) structure was delayed and the building was not completed until 1839. The second courthouse was a remodeled version of Hill Hall, which was built in 1870. The present courthouse replaced it on the same property in 1914.[3] It was built by English Brothers from Champaign, Illinois.
Architecture
The courthouse is a simplified version of the Neoclassical style.[4] The large, engaged columns features capitals in the Doric order. A small pediment surmounts the main entrance. The windows have short, simplified surrounds. The parapet does not culminate in a cornice of any kind.
