This stunning Greek Revival structure was erected in 1844, originally to serve as the Maysville City Hall. Community leaders at the time hoped that by building such a grand building, they could entice the county's electorate to relocate the county seat to their town. Indeed, in 1848, the seat was relocated from the town of Washington to Maysville, and this edifice was offered up as the new courthouse. It was built by Ignatius Mitchell, Christopher Russell, Stanislaus Mitchell, and Ignatius Purnell.
The structure is a contributing property to the Courthouse Square and Mechanics' Row Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
In 1999, the Mason County Justice Building was erected a block to the west, effectively replacing this facility, which is now used to house county government offices.
Maysville, Kentucky is located on the Ohio River, in the northeast of the commonwealth, roughly between Columbus, Ohio and Lexington. It serves as the seat of Mason County, and is one of the most charming, well-preserved communities I have encountered in the Bluegrass State.