Fire destroys historic Hancock County Courthouse

SPARTA, GA. (AP) The historic Hancock County Courthouse has burned down in the central Georgia town of Sparta. <br /> <br /> Authorities say the call went out about 3 a.m. Monday that the more than 130-year-old building was on fire. It was engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrive. <br /> <br /> The red brick exterior walls were still standing hours later, but the interior is burned out and the courthouse's majestic clock tower is gone. <br /> <br /> The state fire marshal's office will be called to determine what started the fire. <br /> <br /> The Hancock County Courthouse was completed in 1883 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. <br /> <br /> The building has recently been under renovation.

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