Greeley County was the last organized county of the State of Kansas in 1888. Temporary County offices were located in downtown Tribune until the native stone building was built in 1890. The basement stone came from west Greeley County. The outside stone came from a quarry in Hamilton County.
Hauling and work was planned to be distributed among the people giving each his share. Arguments, delays, drinking problems, and undertaking to haul stone on Sunday, which had to be stopped. The years were lean and the work helped the pioneers.
The building is 48 x 52 feet, two stories high with a full basement. The cost was $20,000.
The stone contractors were Allen & Oleson, and the carpenter and woodworking contractor was Wm. Huff, all of Bazine. A belfry was built on top at the front of the builing, but in 1904 a high wind blew it off, and it was not restored. Six tall chimneys adorned the roof. Each room had an individual stove, with each occupant being responsible for carrying the kindling and coal from the basement, and carrying out the ashes and cleaning of the rooms.
The courtroom upstairs was also used for all kinds of entertainment, dances, lodge meetings, fairs and silent picture shows.
The spiral staircase has unique trimming. Original beautiful hinges and some of the original door knobs are still here. The lettering on the doors has withstood the 82 years.
The northeast basement room was the first jail. Later the two iron room jails were placed in the southeast room at a cost of $1782.00.
W. C. Gerard, the founder of Tribune came to Greeley County in 1885. At the organization of Greeley County there were 2600 people in the county. After the courthouse was built in 1890 the population was down to 1400.