🏛️ Overview
Name: Hendricks County Courthouse Location: Courthouse Square, Danville, Indiana Built: 1915 Architect: Clarence Martindale Architecture Style: Classical Revival (Neoclassical) Material: Indiana limestone Listed on the National Register of Historic Places: 2007
🧱 Architectural Features
Doric Columns: The courthouse features a classical portico with large Doric columns at the main entrance, symbolizing strength and justice. Clock Tower: A central dome with a functioning clock rises above the courthouse, visible from much of downtown Danville. Symmetry and Form: The building’s balanced proportions and grand steps reflect the classical ideals of democracy and law. Interior: The inside boasts marble floors, wood trim, and decorative moldings that harken back to early 20th-century grandeur.
📚 Historical Significance
This is the third courthouse to stand on the site. The original was built in 1826, followed by a second in 1863. The current structure replaced the aging second courthouse to accommodate the county’s growing population and legal needs. The courthouse has been a hub of legal, civic, and social activity in Hendricks County for over a century. It anchors the Courthouse Square Historic District, which includes several other buildings of historical importance.
🎯 Fun Facts
It’s often used as a backdrop for community events, parades, and seasonal festivals in downtown Danville. The courthouse square and its surrounding buildings are a favorite spot for photographers and filmmakers seeking that classic “Main Street Americana” look. Local legend says the courthouse is haunted, with reports of unexplained sounds and flickering lights late at night—adding to its charm during Halloween festivities.
