In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase made this area Native American lands; in 1854, Kansas Territory was established and open settlement began; in 1861, with Kansas statehood, Miami County was renamed from Lykins County. In 1873, the first courthouse on this site was converted from a former public school building, and in 1880 a county jail was added west of this site. In 1898, the present courthouse was built at a cost of $6,152 and the original was removed. In 1967, a jail was added to the courthouse and the original was removed. In 1973, the courthouse received designation on the National Historic Register. In 1980, clocks were added to the tower by Paola 7th Grade. In 1998, an administrative building was completed, separating courts and administrative offices. In 2000, the courthouse building was remodeled at a cost of $1,600,000. In 2009, courthouse gardens and historical signs were added.