Wapello County is named for Chief Wapello, who was a chief of the Fox Native American tribe.
Surrounding County Courthouses:
N – Mahaska County and Keokuk County
E – Jefferson County
S – Davis County
W – Monroe County
Created: February 17, 1843 
County Seat:
Ottumwa 1843 – present
County Courthouse – Ottumwa
Location: 101 West 4th Street / North Court Street
Built: 1892 – 1894
Style: Romanesque
Architect: Foster & Liebbe
Contractor: G Stanfford
Description: The building faces southwest and is a four story buff rough-cut sandstone structure. The building is located on landscaped grounds in the center of Ottumwa. The south front has a projecting center section with large arch at the first story entrance which rises to the second story. Above are two small windows and a large window rising to a peak with the statue of Chief Wapello at the top. On the southeast corner is a large square tower which was formerly a clock tower. On the southwest corner is a small turret at the roof line. The building houses the County District Court of the 8A Judicial District.
See: The 8A Judicial District includes Appanoose County, Davis County, Jefferson County, Keokuk County, Mahaska County, Monroe County, Poweshiek County, Van Buren County and Washington County.
History: The county was created in 1843 and Ottumwa was selected as the county seat. The first courthouse was built in 1846 at a cost of $1,000. In 1872, the second courthouse was built. The third and present courthouse was constructed in 1892 to 1894 at a cost of $135,000.
County Courthouse - Ottumwa
Photos taken 2008