(WHAS11) - The state fire marshal is investigating after a huge fire destroyed a historic landmark in Brown County, Indiana.
The Little Nashville Opry went up in flames just after 10 p.m. Saturday night, just after the music venue emptied following a Saturday night performance.
Firefighters say in terms of size, it's likely the largest fire to ever hit Brown County.? But in terms of history, there's no question it's the most devastating.
"It's devastating.? A lot of history... since 1975, some big names have been there... like Elvis, Johnny Cash... so there's a lot of memories there," said Eugene Porter.
Eugene and Vickie Porter worked in the Little Opry's gift shop.
"I was going, oh my god.? Oh my god!? We were just there last night... having a good time like everyone else," said Vickie Porter.
They were among about 200 other people who left the music venue around 9:30 Saturday night after a band called "Goldwing Express" wrapped up.?
Less than an hour later, the fire department arrived to a building up in flames already in ruins.
"The Little Opry has been here... we're trying to figure out how long.? Forever, it seems like.? It is a big attraction... and a landmark.? So it's sad," said Mark Imhoff, Brown County Fire Department.
13 fire departments responded from five counties, but they couldn't save the landmark building that's been in business for more than 30 years.? No one was inside and no injuries were reported.?
But the community fears their livelihood, much of it which depends on tourism dollars, especially in the fall months, will not survive.
"I just hope the owners decide to rebuild.? I'd like to see it back up and running.? Not because of our shop, but what it can do for Nashville," said Porter.
The owners have not said whether or not they plan to rebuild.?
A cause of the fire has not been determined.? The state fire marshal is investigating.
