Continuing my journey north, I rolled into Cottonwood, Falls, Kansas. I’ve always wanted to see the courthouse in this adorable little community with brick streets and a welcomeing small town vibe. It did not disappoint!
Completed in 1873, the courthouse was designed by famous Kansas architect John G. Haskell and built out of limestone native to the region. While the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it still functions as the county courthouse.
Fortunately, the building was open, and the court was not in session, so I was able to wander around, marveling at the spectacular woodwork.
The staircase is probably the most striking element of the building’s entryway.
I immediately headed up the stairs to try and capture the craftsmanship and grandeur of this prominent architectural feature. I was thrilled to capture this picture.
The courthouse is home to many government offices, and upstairs is the courtroom itself. The woodwork is superb, and I love the two-tone doors on each side of the bench.
Of course, I had to head up to the third floor and snap a couple of pictures from the round window just below the tower.
Brick streets give a town such an artistic ambiance.
Oh Look! There’s my Jeep and teardrop trailer!
After exploring the interior, I headed outside to snap a few pictures. Including the historical marker about this Landmark of Distinction.
Brick pavement creates an interesting visual image that draws the eye down the street and to the courthouse. I had to patiently wait for the traffic to snap this photo… and by traffic, I mean the random single car or truck that rolled into my frame!
I love wandering around small towns and seeing what I may discover.
As I was in Cottonwood Falls, I did have to check out the falls and meander over the bridge to check out the signage on a nearby display.
As I headed back to my Jeep, I couldn’t help but smile. I’m just wandering, meandering, and poking around a fascinating little town. This is part of what I wanted for this journey – the opportunity to see and experience things that are so often lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Back at the courthouse, the sun sat in a perfect spot for another photo, and I had to snap a selfie too!
