About Us
Parke County is named for Indiana territory delegate Benjamin Parke. Parke County was organized in 1821, but it was not until January 1824 that an official commission was formed to determine a location for a permanent seat of justice. Before then court was held in the surrounding settlements of Roseville, Armiesburg, and Montezuma, all near the Wabash River.
The first three Parke County Commissioners were General Joseph Carr, General Arthur Patterson, and Colonel Thomas Smith.
The first courthouse burned in 1832; the second was torn down in 1879. The modern-day courthouse was started in May 1879 and on February 22, 1882, its completion was observed with an all-day celebration and open house. The Parke County Courthouse is located at 116 West High Street, Rockville, Indiana. Contrary to popular belief, the front of the courthouse faces south.
Courthouse hours are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday excluding official county holidays.