Built to Last - September 5, 2014

Q: Built from native limestone in 1873, it’s the oldest operating courthouse in the state of Kansas. Can you name it?

Situated in the heart of the Flint Hills, Cottonwood Falls serves as the County Seat of Chase County. The Chase County Courthouse forms the center of the town, at the end of Broadway, the town's main street. (Flickr Photo by  Lauren Wellicome)

A: the Chase County Courthouse (in Cottonwood Falls)

Completed in 1873, the Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls is the oldest county courthouse still in use in Kansas and the second oldest in continuous use west of the Mississippi River. (Flickr Photo by Lauren Wellicome)

The Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls was built from local limestone in 1873 and is the oldest operating courthouse in Kansas. Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the state, it was designed by architect John G. Haskell, who also helped design the Kansas Statehouse. The architectural style of the courthouse has been described as Second Empire or Italian Renaissance Revival and Italianate.
The three story staircase inside the courthouse was made from local walnut trees. More Info HERE.

[Not So Fun Factoid: KPR’s J. Schafer once argued a legal case inside this historic courthouse. He fought a speeding ticket. And lost. :- ( ]