Construction began on the new Montgomery County Courthouse in Red Oak in 1890, and the new structure was officially dedicated July 4 the following year. Ten thousand or more visitors came to see the new brick and sandstone structure, which had a 91-foot by 72-foot footprint and stood over 60 feet high. At over 100 feet tall, the clock tower may be the most distinguishing feature of the Romanesque courthouse, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.