Dardanelle was platted in 1843 in a linear pattern on the Arkansas River bank beside a rocky peak that was a landmark for those traveling on the river. This Classical Revival courthouse serves the county’s northern district. Although Union Street is a busy commercial highway, the courthouse is set well back from the street and preceded by a large lawn, which gives it a modicum of tranquility. The rather plain but well-proportioned design is a noteworthy example of the work of Little Rock architect Gibb, who is credited with the design of numerous turn-of-the-twentieth-century courthouses in Arkansas. The two-story red brick building has a full-height portico with four robust Doric columns and a pediment that contains a small circular window. A small, low dome and an openwork wooden cupola crown the building.