The Winneshiek County Courthouse was built in 1902 and features a stained glass dome and painted murals. The first courthouse was completed in 1857, after a tax to pay for its construction was approved by voters in 1856. Before that time court was held in the log home of William Day and later in Newell's Hall and occasionally in rented rooms. The land, which overlooks the city and surrounding valley, was donated by William Day and William Painter. It occupies one square block and is bounded on the north by Main Street, on the east by Winnebago Street, on the south by Broadway Street, and on the west by Court Street.  It became evident in the 1890s that every office in the 1857 courthouse was cramped for space. The proposition to issue bonds for a new building was discussed for some time, and in 1898 the matter was put to vote and was overwhelmingly defeated. In 1902, the county Board of Supervisors again ordered a vote taken, this time resulting in a majority for a bond issue in the amount of $75,000. In March, 1903, the old building was abandoned and torn down, and work on the new structure began. It became evident before the work had progressed far that a larger sum would be required and the tax payers voted an additional $50,000. The building was occupied in the fall of 1905.