Several good roads run through Butler. They are US 71, US 71 bypass, SR H, SR TT and SR 52

Butler became the county seat of Bates county around 1856 after part of the county separated off and became part of Vernon county. The original plan for Butler had been filed three years earlier. Construction of the courthouse began in the Summer of 1869. However 30 years laster the building was declared unsafe and sold at auction to be replaced in the first year of the 20th century. Don't miss driving on original brick streets in the historic square and walking through the the square to reach the historic homes which surround it. You might enjoy a visit to the nearby, recently restored Poplar Heights farm. It is a living history farm and nature conservancy whose house, barns and landscaping have been restored to the way they looked in the 1890's. Butler has ten municipal parks just waiting for your visit and a community swimming pool with slides, a lazy river, swimming lanes and a kiddie pool with playground.

Hon. Debra A. Hopkins