It’s always an engaging experience to wander through small towns in America and come across a tiny town with a spectacular piece of architecture that’s not a church. More often than not, that beautiful building will be a county courthouse.
As I drove around in Flandreau, South Dakota, I spotted a building I knew I would have to go and explore.
The building is an excellent example of Classical Revival architecture with distinctive Greek Revival details. Built in 1915, the courthouse has served as a symbol of justice and governance for over a century. Designed by architect Joseph A. Schwarz and constructed by O.H. Olsen, the building continues to be an essential part of the county’s judicial system.
The three-story courthouse showcases a stunning combination of brick and sandstone, creating an imposing yet elegant facade. Its grand portico, supported by eight fluted Doric columns, gives the structure a commanding presence.
The eagle standing guard over the door is an excellent addition to the revival architecture. The entryway contains a staircase on each side, and there is a mural above each stairs, with one representing the indigenous people of the area and another representing the pioneers.
Once inside, we are greeted by a cruciform layout centered around a rotunda, where marble finishes, terrazzo flooring, intricate plasterwork, and ornamental wrought iron add to the building’s historical charm.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get inside the courtroom to view the woodwork and murals, which were supposed to be quite beautiful.
