After a vote of a proposed division in November 1908, Morrill County was officially separated from Cheyenne County on March 9, 1909.
County seat contenders were Bridgeport and Bayard.
Bridgeport was more centrally located and won the election.
Acting quickly, the county residents passed a bond issue to help finance the cost of a new courthouse.
Construction began in 1909 and the following year the Classical Revival-style building was completed.