2018.051.022 [Print, Photographic]

This photograph was taken during a ceremony that celebrated the laying of the Hancock County Courthouse's cornerstone on June 8, 1899. This ceremony, which took place in Garner, Iowa, drew a crowd of close to 10,000 people from several different counties. The construction of this courthouse sparked a large amount of debate and controversy in Hancock County. At this time, the towns of Britt and Garner both wanted to be the county seat, and the people of Britt saw this courthouse as Garner's attempt to increase its chances of being selected. This debate was finally settled in 1903 when the people of Hancock County chose Garner as the county seat in a vote. Content can be used with the following standards: 8th grade SS 8.25 Iowa Government in lesson on the development of original courthouses and judicial systems in Iowa. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.