Who set fire to the courthouse in 1874?

Hog thieves, election fraud possible causes for arson case 150 years ago.

Minutes from the Dec. 21, 1874, Columbia County Commission meeting show the county offered a $5,000 reward for the capture and conviction of whoever burned down the courthouse the previeous day. Nobody was ever charged with the crime. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)
Minutes from the Dec. 21, 1874, Columbia County Commission meeting show the county offered a $5,000 reward for the capture and conviction of whoever burned down the courthouse the previeous day. Nobody was ever charged with the crime. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

One thing is for certain: the Columbia County Courthouse was burned to the ground 150 years ago in the overnight hours of Dec. 19-20.

Why the courthouse was burned and who caused it are not known, with…