The Van Wert County Courthouse, completed in 1876, stands as a symbol of civic pride and architectural beauty in Van Wert, Ohio. Designed by T.J. Tolan in the ornate Second Empire style, the courthouse features a towering clock spire, arched windows, and a statue of Justice atop its roof. It was built to replace four earlier courthouses, each reflecting the county’s growth and changing needs. The first courthouse was a two-room log structure built by William Priddy near the present-day First United Methodist Church. It served multiple roles—as a school, tavern, and residence. The second, built in 1838 by Jesse King, was also made of logs, though its exact location is unclear. The third courthouse, constructed in 1840, lasted about a decade before being replaced. The fourth courthouse was built in the early 1850s at the northeast corner of Main and Market Streets. The current courthouse, located at 121 East Main Street, continues to house county offices and remains a centerpiece of Van Wert’s historic downtown.