NGS Benchmark NK0539 - Vinton, Ia.
Posted by: 
iconions
N 42° 10.082 W 092° 01.418
15T E 580647 N 4668894
This benchmark is the cupola of the Benton County Courthouse located at 111 East Fourth St.
Waymark Code: WM7EBB
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 10/13/2009
Views: 4
Information on the county and courthouse:
(
visit link)
One of the original twelve counties created from Dubuque County, Benton County is named in honor of Thomas Hart Benton. Benton was a lawyer, colonel in the War of 1812 and senator from Missouri. The county was established in 1843.
Construction on the Benton County Courthouse was begun in 1905 and completed in 1906. The Architects were C.E. Bell & M.S. Detweiler of Minneapolis, MN. The builder was George Richman & Sons, Company of Kalamazoo, MI. The heating and plumbing contractor was J.H. Fenton of Cedar Rapids, IA. Total cost to Benton County, including new furniture was $122,999.27. Paul Correll, was a local merchant that donated the tower clock and bell. The bell weighs 1500 pounds and was pitched to B flat with a rich penetrating tone. The building is 112 feet by 77 feet of Buckeye gray sandstone and the tower stands 112 feet above the foundation. The basement story is of Kettle River sandstone. This building has been placed on the National Rgister of Historic Places.
Ever wonder where the flag pole in front of the Courthouse came from? In July of 1969, the Benton County American Legion celebrated their 50th Anniversary and dedicated a new flag pole that stands in front of the Courthouse.