Van Buren County Poorhouse
This two and a half story brick building was constructed in 1884 as the county poorhouse and infirmary. Here lived the indigent and mentally retarded from Van Buren County. Able-bodied residents worked on the grounds and on the adjacent farm where they produced much of the food for the poorhouse. Operating from 1951 to 1958 as the county social welfare office, the building's altered function reflected society's changing methods of aiding the poor. The County Historical Museum now occupies the structure.
Marker can be reached from Red Arrow Highway 0.2 miles from CR 681, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
