Madison County Courthouse

A striking landmark in the heart of historic Downtown Fredericktown, the Madison County Courthouse stands as a proud testament to the county’s rich civic history. Constructed in 1900 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 2.5-story structure was designed by renowned architect Theodore C. Link — best known for St. Louis Union Station and several buildings from the 1904 World’s Fair.

Built of red brick and locally quarried pink granite, the courthouse showcases the Second Renaissance Revival style with distinctive Victorian-era details. Its centerpiece is a four-story clock tower capped with a steep pyramidal roof, towering above the square it anchors. Elegant arched windows, diamond tracery and granite sills add to the building’s timeless charm. Inside, a central hallway connects historic offices once used for court sessions, which were relocated in 2023 to the newly constructed Justice Center nearby.

The courthouse was the result of a strong vote for progress in 1899, and its cornerstone was ceremoniously laid in May 1900 under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity. Final construction costs reached approximately $22,000 — a significant investment that has stood the test of time.

Thanks to dedicated volunteers, preservation efforts in the late 20th century helped document, restore and celebrate the building’s heritage. Today, the Madison County Courthouse remains a centerpiece of civic pride and a must-see for those exploring Fredericktown’s historic downtown.