Deuel County Courthouse History
Early Courthouse
Courthouse Today
The history of the Deuel County Courthouse is one of the most colorful chapters in the county's early years. Today, the stately three-story courthouse in Clear Lake stands as a symbol of county government, but its location was once the center of a spirited and sometimes contentious debate over which community should serve as the county seat.
The First Courthouse
Deuel County's first courthouse was located in Gary, the county's earliest settled community. The original building, erected by the Chicago & North Western Railway Company, served the county well during its early years.
As settlement expanded westward, however, new communities began to develop along the railroad. By 1886, many residents believed the county seat should be moved to a more centrally located site to better serve the growing population. A location near present-day Clear Lake, close to the county's geographic center, was proposed.
On July 4, 1886, supporters of the move gathered near the proposed site to celebrate and promote the idea that the county's interests would be better served by relocating the courthouse. Not everyone agreed. Residents of Gary strongly opposed the proposal, and when a marker placed at the site mysteriously disappeared only days later, many suspected opponents of the move were responsible.
The Great Courthouse Fight
The debate quickly became one of the most significant political issues in Deuel County's history.
In 1886, a petition requesting a public vote on relocating the courthouse was rejected because it lacked enough signatures. Supporters continued their efforts, and by 1888 they had gathered sufficient signatures to place the question before voters.
The campaign was fiercely contested. Newspapers from Gary and Clear Lake argued passionately for their respective communities. The Gary Interstate emphasized the cost of moving the courthouse, insisted the existing courthouse remained adequate, and accused Clear Lake supporters of using unfair tactics. The Clear Lake Advocate responded just as vigorously, and the public debate often became heated.
Although the election results were disputed, the County Commissioners ultimately ruled that the courthouse would remain in Gary.
The Move to Clear Lake
Undeterred, supporters of relocation tried again in 1890. Another countywide vote was held during the general election.
During the campaign, opponents criticized the Chicago & North Western Railway Company's offer to contribute $5,000 toward constructing a new courthouse in Clear Lake, calling it an outright bribe. Despite the controversy, support for relocation had grown considerably.
The unofficial vote favored Clear Lake by a wide margin:
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Clear Lake: 868 votes
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Gary: 274 votes
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Other location: 1 vote
Following the election, even the editor of the Gary Interstate acknowledged the outcome. County records were moved to a schoolhouse in Clear Lake while a permanent courthouse was constructed.
The move itself was not without challenges. The county treasurer's two-ton safe proved especially difficult to transport. After the wagon carrying it broke a wheel on the prairie, the safe was left overnight before being successfully hauled to Clear Lake the following day on a bob sled.
Building the Courthouse
With the help of local labor, construction of the new courthouse progressed quickly. In 1891, Deuel County dedicated its new courthouse in Clear Lake.
The building housed the offices of the Superintendent of Schools, Auditor, Treasurer, Clerk of Courts, and Register of Deeds, while the second floor contained the courtroom and judicial chambers.
As the county continued to grow, additional office space became necessary. In 1916, county voters approved construction of a larger courthouse. The cornerstone for the present courthouse was dedicated on April 23, 1917.
More than a century later, that same courthouse continues to serve the citizens of Deuel County.
Preserving a Historic Landmark
Over the years, the courthouse has undergone numerous improvements to preserve the historic building while meeting modern needs. Renovations have included updated electrical systems, new windows and doors, improvements to the heating system, and the addition of air conditioning in 1977.
The Deuel County Courthouse remains not only the center of county government but also an enduring reminder of the determination, growth, and civic pride that shaped the county's history.
A Legacy Preserved
A time capsule buried on the courthouse grounds commemorates Clear Lake's history and will be opened on the 100th anniversary of the city's settlement. Among the items preserved inside is a newspaper recounting what has become known as "The Great Courthouse Fight"—a spirited chapter in Deuel County history that helped determine the location of the county seat and the courthouse that continues to serve the community today.