This was a historic structure in Crawford County, Missouri - dates back to 1834. It was one of the first structures in the vicinity, and served as the County courthouse way back in the day. It was also a waypoint/stop on the Cherokee trail of tears - the latter criteria enabling its placement on the national register of historic places. These pics date to 2016.
I said "was", because in 2017 or 2018 some fucktards playing with fireworks burned it to the ground. Make sure to read the verbiage about the latchstring for the lulz at the end. We used to own a cabin in the area along the Meramec River. It is a very idyllic setting - rolling hills, hardwood forests, more cattle than people. The soil is poor so it made for a hardscrabble life back in the day, but such was the resourcefulness and tenacity of our forebears that settled there.
Lots of good scenery, national forest, canoeing, camping, hunting, fishing and hiking in the region. Meramac Springs Park, Dillard Mill, two scenic and wild rivers and lots of wineries nearby. If in the area, detour and check it out.
Almost zero nogs out there - likely they were just dumbass teenagers. Never followed up on it until now. (snelsonbrinkerfoundation.org) Believed to be arson. Happened July 4th, 2017 - hence the probable fireworks link.
