Monroe County is named for James Monroe, who was the fifth President of the United States from 1817 to 1825.
Surrounding County Courthouses:
N – Marion County and Mahaska County
E – Wapello County
S – Appanoose County
W – Lucas County
Created: February 17, 1843
County Seat:
Albia 1843 – present
County Courthouse – Albia
Location: 10 Benton Avenue East / Main Street
Built: 1902 – 1903
Style: Renaissance Revival
Architect: O O Smith
Contractor: James Rowan and Son
Description: The building faces south and is a three story buff colored sandstone and concrete structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds of the Courthouse Square in the center of Albia. The south front and the other three sides have a slightly projecting center section which rises to a pediment above the roof line. On the east and west sides are square towers rising to a small white colored dome. A projecting cornice runs below the hipped roof. On the center of the roof is high square stone tower with clock and four small parapets. In the interior there is a central lobby with dual stairs ascending to the third story. The County District Court courtroom is located along the east side of the third story. The courtroom has green colored walls and wood furnishings. The building houses the County District Court of the 8A Judicial District and the County Magistrate Court.
See: National Register of Historic Places – Monroe County Courthouse
See: The 8A Judicial District includes Appanoose County, Davis County, Jefferson County, Keokuk County, Mahaska County, Poweshiek County, Van Buren County, Wapello County and Washington County.
History: The county was created in 1843 as Kishkekosh County. The first courthouse was built in 1846. The courthouse was torn down in 1860 and the second courthouse, a medieval style was built. The third and present courthouse was constructed in 1902 to 1903 at a cost of $100,000.
County Courthouse – Albia
County District Court courtroom
Photos taken 2008 and 2024
Images 17*