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B uilt 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 four-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, three-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 witnessed more restoration. The lobby contains a number
of old photographs of Butler County scenes.
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