Howard County is named for Benjamin Howard, who was the first governor of the Missouri Territory, a Congressman from Kentucky and who fought in the War of 1812.
Created: January 23, 1816
County Seat:
Franklin 1816 – 1823
Fayette 1823 – present
County Courthouse – Fayette
Location: 119 North Main Street / East Morrison Street
Built: 1887 – 1888
Style: Second Empire and Italianate
Architect: William F Schrage of Schrage and Nichols of Kansas City
Contractor: A F Davis and Carl Etz
Description: The building faces east and is a two story red colored brick and stone structure. The center section projects with a wide portico on the first story and three arched windows on the second story. Above is a wide pediment. On each corner is a square red colored brick tower with mansard roof. On the center of the building is a high with wood cupola with clock. The building was renovated in 1968. The architect was Carroll Hutchens of Frangkiser & Hutchens and the contractor was Don L Bron.
Note: The first courthouse was built by J W Garner and Stephen Trigg in 1827. The second courthouse was built by Joseph Megraw in 1857 at a cost of $25,000. Wings were added sometime before 1883. Fire destroyed the building on December 1, 1886. The cost of construction of the present courthouse was $32,942.
Courthouses:
N – Chariton County and Randolph County
E – Boone County
S – Cooper County
W – Saline County and Chariton County
Photos taken 2009