The Dickinson County Courthouse in Abilene is a solid early twentieth century civic building, completed in 1956 in a restrained Modern style that reflects the era's preference for clean lines and functional design. It is a practical post-war design that fits neatly into the civic core without trying to be grand or fussy.
It was a pleasant stop, especially since i happened to be here during business hours which is unusual for my travel and gave me the chance to walk through the public areas without any issue. Inside, there is not a whole lot to see but the walk through the building was still interesting especially the portraits of the former commissioners and county officials lining the walls that give the place a sense of continuity and local history.
Dickinson County is named for Daniel S. Dickinson, the New York senator and prominent mid-nineteenth century political figure who was well known in the Kansas Territory during the years when new counties were being organized. Kansas used several nationally recognizable names in its territorial period and Dickinson was one of them. The county carries his name even though he had no direct connection to Abilene or the region.
The courthouse is a working building more than a showpiece, yet standing here in former President Eisenhower's home town and in a county that has been anchored in Abilene since the 1850s, the courthouse feels like one of those quiet civic landmarks that tells its story in small ways if you take the time to look.
[Review 778 of 2026 - 120 in Kansas - 25959 overall] read more