Taylor County gets its name from Major General Zachary Taylor, 12th president of the United States.

In 1851, Taylor County had a population of 393, and the first county assessor reportedly spent only four days assessing the whole county, was paid $4.00, and the total taxes collected were $62.37.

For several years the county went without a county courthouse.  The offices and court were held in the log cabin home of Jacob Ross.  Finally, in 1864, the county built its first courthouse in Bedford.  The square, two-story stone building was used until 1891, when it was deemed unsafe.  At this time the county built its present courthouse. 

The $38,810 building was designed by F. M. Ellis of Omaha.  The impressive building is made of pressed brick and trimmed with Bedford limestone.  The building has many unique aspects, such as fireplaces in numerous rooms and a wrought iron staircase that leads to the back of the courtroom and is still used in 2002 by judges and attorneys.

In 1980, the Taylor County Courthouse was put on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 1992, there was a huge celebration!  The Courthouse was 100 years old.  There were tours, music, demonstrations, food and fun.  The Courtyard is 3.10 acres and in 2002, has a gazebo, sheriff’s office and jail, a soldier’s monument in front of the courthouse and a memorial at the northeast corner dedicated to all Taylor County Armed Forces.

There are still many big beautiful trees and sidewalks lined with benches for anyone to sit and enjoy the peace and beauty of the courthouse and courtyard.  Taylor County is very proud of their “Grand Old Lady!”

Source: Inventory of the County Archives of Iowa (Taylor County), W.P.A., 1941