B utler County Courthouse

Built between 1885 and 1889 with Corinthian columns and a mansard roof, the Courthouse is an outstanding example of Second Empire architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The symmetrical massing features, which vary from one level to the next, contribute to the building's imposing stature. Today's clock tower differs from the original. At first there was a 4-tiered, onion shaped cupola, projecting pedimented pavilions in the center of each facade, that later collapsed into the courthouse rotunda during a fire. The tower built to replace the original was a heavy-scaled, 3-tiered octagonal stone tower. About 1920, lightning damage caused the tower to be modified once again. Remaining today is a low profile roof with finials. Nationally recognized restoration was completed in 1980. The end of the twentieth century is witnessing more restoration. The lobby contains a number of old photographs of Butler County scenes.

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