A nationally registered historic place. A landmark of women’s history. A musical’s inspiration. The Mercer County Courthouse is all these things – and more.

Visitors to the courthouse find not only a place of justice but also one with lessons in history. When it was dedicated in 1923, the building openly welcomed women, who were newly empowered to vote, by promoting its women’s restroom – then a rarity in U.S. courthouses. Located in the county seat of Celina, the courthouse was even the subject of a musical written and performed as part of a celebration held for its 75th anniversary in 1998. It’s a place that stands as a source of local pride.

With its Neoclassical elements, including a leaded stained-glass dome with borders depicting scenes from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the courthouse also pays homage to Greece – the birthplace of modern democracy. In addition to honoring the roots of the U.S. legal system, the courthouse’s architecture has served to capture the evolution of justice in the country.

Learn more about Mercer County, its courthouse, and the county history in the mini-documentary series, “Seats of Justice,” the Supreme Court of Ohio’s ongoing tour of Ohio courthouses. Check back for more episodes documenting other historic courthouses, or watch past installments of the series on the Ohio Channel.

For more than a year, the Supreme Court has been celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday – on July 4, 2026 – with “The Story of America,” which highlights significant historical events. The celebration of the semiquincentennial extends beyond digital content to also include events and displays at the Court. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, enhance civic literacy, and honor key moments in American and Ohio history.