Monroe County Courthouse - Paris, Missouri

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Monroe County Courthouse - Paris, Missouri Present building is 3rd Courthouse at this site in Monroe County, the first being built in 1831-35. It was a 50-foot square two-story brick building, with white stone foundation and hipped roof in center of square. An 8-foot, shuttered, octagonal cupola was supported by a 10-foot-square base. Its roof was covered with tin. A brass ball, fish and Franklin rod adorned the top. Builders were Pavey and Orr. Three sides had doors with fanlights, flanked by a pair of windows. First floor was laid with brick up to the bar in the courtroom. The wood bar was raised 4 feet. Second floor was not finished when first built. The building may have been enlarged to 50 by 80 feet. This courthouse burned in December 1861 destroying many county records.

Second courthouse built in 1867-69 by Burton Edwards of Macon for $37,45. It was a 60 by 102 foot brick domed structure containing 9 rooms, 2 vaults, Circuit & County Court rooms, and other offices. This building was razed in 1912.

The third courthouse All construction done with hand labor by Henning Construction for $83,450. Total cost about $100,000. It opened in 1913.

Outside dimensions 110 feet north/south by 80 feet east/west.

Large granitoid dome of terra cotta tile supports a flagpole and contains areas for clock faces. Last domed courthouse built in Missouri.

Outside walls built of Missouri white bedford limestone with four arcades, one to the side, each supported by two large granite pillars.

Soft light filters down through the stained glass in the dome (stained glass supposedly sealed over with tiled false ceiling).

Rotunda contains the Great Seal of Missouri worked into the tile floor and 4 murals depicting life in the first 200 years (1776 to 1976) of this area painted by Doris Hill in 1976 and presented to the county by the county extension clubs.

Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Saturday 9:00am to Noon (during Farmers’ Market Season)