Crawford County Courthouse

In 1877, arsonists virtually destroyed the 1842 Italianate-styled courthouse. Before it was rebuilt from the remaining brick walls, it became the center of a feud between the citizens of Van Buren and Alma -- the latter wanting the county seat moved to their town. Van Buren won out, however, and it was rebuilt with the addition of a front porch, side wings, a rear wing and the now well-known clock tower which was financed by donations from local citizens.