We had just finished lunch at Reclamation Brewery and decided walk off our meal by exploring downtown Butler, Pennsylvania. The children were more excited to play in the fountain, so we started out on this beautiful Saturday afternoon.
The city of Butler, Pennsylvania was established in 1800 and is named after General Richard Butler, who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
Butler County, Pennsylvania’s original stone courthouse was built in 1807. It was later replaced by a second building which was destroyed in a fire in 1883. Architect James P. Bailey was provided the commission to build the third courthouse which he completed in 1885. Bailey designed the county’s third courthouse in the High Victorian Gothic style which is the tallest structure in downtown Butler.
Reaching three-stories, the sandstone and brick building showcases a beautiful four-faced clock tower along with two double pyramid shaped roofs on its exterior and stained glass windows, marble floors, domed ceilings, several crown moldings and a grand staircase connecting the first and second levels. In 1977, the Butler County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The simple fountain in Butler’s downtown square is a great place to cool off and pose for photos.
Located in Diamond Park, there are several memorials in honor of the local veterans who fought in war to protect our country’s democracy.
While Pittsburgh may be known as the Steel City, there are several counties that also have a strong steel heritage. Butler County is recognized under the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.
In addition, Butler, Pennsylvania is known as the “Birthplace of the Jeep.”
The invention was made possible with the United States Army reached out to several auto manufacturers to design a reconnaissance car within 49 days and The American Bantam Car Company accepted the challenge, resulting in the design and production of “The Jeep” in 1940. The car company produced 2,675 Jeeps but eventually closed in 1956.
Butler has been celebrating the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival each year since 2011. The first festival drew 1,000 jeeps to the area and last year they broke the record when 2420 jeeps arrived in downtown Butler arriving from over 30 states and Canada. It’s a Jeep Thing.
Have you visited Butler, Pennsylvania and did you stroll its downtown? Which restaurants or shops did you visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family day in Butler, PA and wishing you many Happy Travels.
What to See and What to Do:
Explore Downtown Butler
Where to Stay:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Butler/Centre City
125 East Jefferson Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 844 207 5336
Where to Eat:
Reclamation Brewery
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370
What to Eat:
- Pierogie Pizza
What to Read:
- Jane Grey Swisshelm, An Unconventional Life, 1815 – 1884
