This is the historic Carter County courthouse though it remains vacant after it was flooded in 2017 and court operations were moved up the street to the new courthouse after it was completed in 2023. The building faces west and is a two-story cobblestone and pine wood structure. The west front has an arch at the center entrance. If you step back, you can see a small octagonal cupola on the roof. The structure \was originally completed in 1872 but experienced a remodel in the 1930s. Though the architecture could be considered a "Federal" style, the current appearance reflects the multiple eras through which it has served the county. The 1930's remodel added the cobblestone facade but also included a large 30-by70 foot addition on the east side. An elevator annex with matching stone exterior was added in the 1990s. And despite the 2017 flooding, engineers have found the structure sound with the second floor largely intact and the first floor stripped to the studs so that it can properly dry. The elevator is inoperable due to the water damage. Walking the grounds, I found a veterans memorial dating to around 1920 on the northwest corner of the square, another reminder of how long this courthouse has served as the civic center of Carter County. [Review 697 of 2026 - 527 in Missouri - 25878 overall] read more

Carter County Courthouse - Historic Carter County Courthouse, Van Buren - Courthouses Near Me - Van Buren, Missouri

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