Ogle County Courthouse
There are many things special about Oregon that its residents take pride in, but one that holds a special place of honor is the Ogle County Courthouse. Located in the heart of Oregon's historic downtown, visitors approaching east, west, and north will catch a glimpse of its lovely spire long before they enter the city limits of Oregon.

Construction of the courthouse began in September 1890 at an estimated cost of $89,000. This beautiful 3-story structure was completed the following year at a final cost close to $107,000.

Today the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Soon after receiving this honor, renovations were begun to preserve its historic and architectural integrity. During the renovation, each office and courtroom was refurbished, as well as the outside was renovated and restored. Work on the courthouse was completed in 1983 and the building was open for public tours in 1984.

From its beginnings, the courthouse lawn was the setting for community happenings and a great gathering location. And although events no longer take place on the courthouse lawn, festivals, parades, and holiday festivities still occur in and around the courthouse square, keeping it at the center of activities for Oregon and its residents.

Preserving Oregon's long marriage of art and history, the courthouse grounds host several monuments of historical value. The first is the Lorado Taft Soldiers' Monument commissioned by Ogle County Board to honor veterans of the Civil War and Spanish American War. This was completed in 1916. This memorial, initiated a cost not to exceed $21,000 is now valued at over $1,000,000.

Two other important reminders of Ogle County's participation in the Civil War are the two mismatched cannons installed on the courthouse in the late 1890's. Although matched cannons were ordered from Army Surplus in Bremerton, Washington, one was inadvertently destroyed in a prank that went awry. It was almost two years before a second replacement cannon was found and placed permanently on display.

A third monument was dedicated June 29, 1950 through the efforts of the Oregon Post No. 8739 VFW. This was a plaque honoring World War I and World War II veterans. In 1999 additional plaques were added to honor those veterans who served in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf war.

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