The murder trial against John T. Prewett drew many visitors to the courthouse, convincing the county Board of Supervisors "that a new court house is an absolute and pressing necessity", but an election on April 12, 1887, was defeated as the bonds proposed to be issued, , was thought to be too low. A second election on June 7, 1887, authorizing the issue of in bonds passed; four lots were purchased. The cost of the land was and the successful bidder for construction was Knowles & Whitmore, at , working from plans drawn up by J. Gosh. The new courthouse was completed on May 7, 1888.
