Morgan County Courthouse in Indiana Recognized for Unique Pre-Civil War Italianate Architecture
The original Morgan County Courthouse, built in 1859 in Indiana, stands as one of only eight pre-Civil War courthouses remaining in the state. Designed by architect Isaac Hodgson, this structure is notable for its unique Italianate architecture. Hodgson replicated this design for the 1861 Jennings County Courthouse in Vernon, making these two buildings the sole complete examples of Italianate courthouse architecture in Indiana. A distinctive feature of both courthouses is their original integrated design, which housed the county sheriff's residence, the county jail, and the courthouse all within a single structure—a configuration not found elsewhere in Indiana. The Morgan County Court system operates with four elected Judges and one Magistrate, employing over 40 staff members, including Court Reporters, Bailiffs, and Probation Officers. Judges serve six-year terms.
