One County at a Time
(Isstories Editorial):- Lincoln, Nebraska Sep 15, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Nebraska’s courthouses have long stood as more than places of law. They are symbols of civic pride, architectural statements, and community gathering spaces. In his new book, Inside Nebraska Courthouses, author Dean B. Settle takes readers on a journey through all 93 counties, uncovering the history, design, and stories that make each courthouse unique.
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What began as weekend drives turned into an ambitious project. Settle and his late wife, Harriet R. Grossbart, spent 11 months traveling more than 28,000 miles to photograph and document these historic structures. The result is a richly detailed volume that combines local history, architectural observation, and first-hand accounts of the people who keep Nebraska’s county governments running.
More than Bricks and Mortar
Courthouses in Nebraska are not just administrative centers — they are landmarks that define the heart of their towns. In Adams County, murals brighten the walls of a marble structure built in the 1960s. In Arthur County, the original courthouse, once considered the smallest in the nation, still stands as a museum. In Clay County, the grandeur of a Beaux-Arts building continues to command attention more than a century after its construction.
Settle’s book brings these places to life with anecdotes, archival research, and photographs. Readers will find unexpected details, from stained-glass domes to historic law libraries, as well as the human stories that have unfolded inside these walls.
A Personal Mission
The project was deeply personal for the author. After Grossbart’s passing in 2023, Settle completed the final 11 courthouse visits with the company of Nora, his Corgi. He credits the journey with not only preserving a record of Nebraska’s civic architecture but also honoring the 11,000 county employees across the state who keep local government accessible and accountable.
Perspectives from Experts
The book includes reflections from architects and civic leaders who underscore the importance of courthouses as both cultural and architectural landmarks. They note how styles evolved — from the elaborate towers of the 19th century to the practical designs of the postwar era — yet the sense of dignity and purpose has remained constant.
Their insights highlight the enduring role courthouses play in shaping Nebraska’s communities and preserving their histories.
About the Author
Dean B. Settle spent most of his professional career in Lancaster County government before founding and later selling a successful business. Following retirement in 2022, he devoted his time to documenting Nebraska’s courthouses, a project that combined his professional background with his interest in history and architecture.
Settle and his late wife, Harriet R. Grossbart, shared a passion for exploring small towns and county seats across the state. Their travels, captured in Inside Nebraska Courthouses, preserve both the spirit of Nebraska’s communities and the enduring role of their courthouses. Settle resides in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he continues to be active in civic and historical circles.
Availability & Contact
Inside Nebraska Courthouses is now available on Dean B. Settle’s official website in multiple formats; paperback, hardcover, e-Book. Follow the listed channels below to stay up to date with any exciting news and events regarding the author’s literary journey. Also keep a lookout for his upcoming title, Opera Houses in Nebraska 1870 to 1918 (Statehood to Movie Theaters):
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
