The next stop on the tour of Ohio’s county courthouses takes viewers to one of the last settled Ohio counties in Van Wert. 

Sitting right on the Ohio-Indiana border, Van Wert County was established in 1820 as a farming community. The monumental courthouse, built in 1876, stands as a source of pride for citizens. Adorned with metal painted to look like marble and a statue of Lady Justice from the 1876 World’s Fair, the ornate exterior of the courthouse serves as a city gem. The small white building adjacent to the courthouse, the Veterans’ Chapel, also showcases every Van Wert citizen who has served in the military. 

Learn more about Van Wert County and its history in the mini-documentary series, “Seats of Justice,” on the Ohio Channel. 

Watch for new episodes following the journey through all of Ohio’s county courthouses or check out past installments.

America is preparing for its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, The Court is celebrating the semiquincentennial with a year-long celebration called “The Story of America" highlighting significant historical events. Beyond digital content, the celebration includes events and displays at the Court. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, enhance civic literacy, and honor key moments in American and Ohio history.