In 1880, a brick courthouse was built in Emmetsburg, which is named after the Irish patriot Robert Emmet. This 1880’s building has undergone extensive repairs over the years. Originally faced with yellow brick, it was refaced with red brick during World War I. A tall tower was removed in the 1920’s, and the jail was removed from the basement and relocated. It was extensively remodeled in 1970, and a two-story and basement addition was completed in 1976-1977.
Out front, on the courthouse lawn, stands a statue of Robert Emmet and a rock appropriately named the “Blarney Stone.”
