Butler County Courthouse

100 N. Main Street

Still Standing

Civic

Butler County Courthouse

100 N. Main Street

The magnificent Butler County Courthouse has served as the center of local government since 1928, featuring stunning Classical Revival architecture.

Did You Know?

The courthouse clock has been keeping time for nearly 100 years and is still wound by hand every week!

The Story

The Butler County Courthouse stands as one of Poplar Bluff's most prominent landmarks. Completed in 1928, this Classical Revival structure replaced an earlier courthouse that had become inadequate for the growing community.

The building features impressive limestone columns, a grand rotunda, and original marble floors that still welcome visitors today. The courthouse bell, which once called citizens to important events, remains in the tower.

Over the decades, the courthouse has witnessed countless trials, marriages, and civic gatherings. Its steps have been the site of political rallies, community celebrations, and memorial services.

The building underwent a major restoration in the 1990s, which preserved its historic character while updating essential systems. Today, it continues to serve its original purpose while standing as a testament to the civic pride of early 20th century Poplar Bluff.

Additional Source References

Mentions of this site found in historical sources. These excerpts are auto-extracted and unverified — presented for research purposes until an editor confirms them.

According to The Historic and Architectural Resources of Poplar Bluff, Missouri (2006)Unverified

A public courthouse building listed on the National Register.

“Butler County Courthouse, Public Square – Listed 12/01/1994”

According to Deem's History of Butler County Missouri (1940)Unverified

The first courthouse location in Poplar Bluff, used starting in 1859.

“The Circuit court met at various settlers' homes on Cane creek until September 1859, when it convened in a crude log building erected on the northeast corner of the public square in Poplar Bluff.”

Timeline of This Site

1864Other

Union Troops March Through Poplar Bluff

On September 30, 1864, during the Union pursuit of Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's raid into Missouri, a column of the 81st Illinois Volunteer Infantry marched up out of the Dismal Swamps and passed through Poplar Bluff. Sgt. Edmund Newsome of Company B wrote in his diary: "We marched 2 miles to the hills, passed through Poplar Bluffs, crossed Black River again 7 miles above town by wading knee deep and went into camp, having marched 20 miles." He described the town as "the county seat of Butler County, Mo. ... a fine brick court-house in the course of construction, and about 30 houses" — one of the few eyewitness accounts of wartime Poplar Bluff. Newsome published his diary in 1880 as Experience in the War of the Great Rebellion.

City Directory Listings

This address appears in the following historic city directory listings.Some listings predate or postdate this site — see the timeline badge on each card.