The Delaware County Courthouse is the seat of government and the primary judicial building for Delaware County, Iowa. Located in the county seat of Manchester, the building is a prominent example of late 19th-century public architecture in the state.
The current courthouse, completed in 1894, is the fourth structure to serve as the county courthouse. The first two were temporary buildings in the early years of the county. A more substantial brick courthouse was constructed in 1860, but it was destroyed by fire in 1894. Following this fire, the current edifice was quickly planned and erected on the same site.
Designed by architect F.W. Kinney of Austin, Minnesota, the building features the distinctive Romanesque Revival architectural style. It is constructed primarily of local stone and brick, characterized by its sturdy appearance, round-arched windows and entrances, and a prominent central clock tower. The interior houses various county offices, courtrooms, and administrative spaces essential for county operations.
The Delaware County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, recognized for its architectural significance as a well-preserved example of Romanesque Revival design and its historical importance as a long-standing center of county government in Iowa. It continues to serve as the administrative and judicial hub for Delaware County.