The courthouse was built in 1858 and is the third one to serve the county. It is Greek Revival in style and 65 by 90 feet (20 m × 27 m) in plan. Its portico has four Doric columns which were cast at a nearby foundry.
It was damaged in an 1871 tornado but was restored.
In 1888, a 23-year-old African-American suspect, Amos Miller, was lynched: hanged from the balcony of the courthouse after being taken by a mob from the courtroom before his trial was completed.
The courthouse can be seen in the closing scene of the 1986 film At Close Range starring Sean Penn.
On the grounds of the courthouse is a Confederate Monument, which is separately listed on the National Register. A statue, March to Freedom was also installed outside.
