Palo Alto County is named for the first battlefield in the Mexican-American War.
Created: January 18, 1851
County Seat:
Paoli 1866 – 1875
Emmetsburg 1875 – present
County Courthouse – Emmetsburg
Location: 1010 Broadway Street / 12th Street
Built: 1880 – 1881
Style: Victorian
Architect: B J Bartlet
Contractor: D E Burdick
Description: The building faces west and is a two story red colored brick structure. The building has a high square tower with extending roof rising three stories at the entrance. The base of the building is darker red colored brick. The building was extensively remodeled in 1960 and 1969 when the cupola was removed.
Note: The first courthouse was built in 1866 at Paoli.
Courthouses:
N – Emmet County
E – Kossuth County
W – Clay County
Photos taken 2008 and 2010