Flames destroyed parts of the 154-year-old Jefferson County Courthouse today. The Indiana state fire marshal has completed a preliminary investigation, but has not yet issued a report.
Decades of history may have been lost as flames ripped through the courthouse. The third floor partially collapsed and the basement sustained significant water damage.
Local preservation experts have retrieved deeds and some other vital documents. Many of them will have to be frozen before they can be restored. However, there are some that were irreparably damaged in the fire.
The fire came as crews were finishing restoration work on the courthouse for the city's bicentennial celebration. County officials said exterior work was nearly complete.
A video is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQRXvKP4Oc4 or click on the image below.
