The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a fire began at a state historical site on Monday and are offering a reward to anyone with information.

A release from the office on Tuesday said arson investigators from the county are looking for public assistance with information regarding a fire at the Stagville State Historical Site. Authorities said an alarm at one of the mid-19th century buildings alerted the Durham County Fire Department at 6:45 a.m. on Monday.

The Sheriff’s Office said anyone who was in the area when the fire may have started or has information on the crime is encouraged to contact the office’s criminal investigation division. Tuesday’s release said if a tip leads to an arrest, the caller could be eligible for a cash reward.

A building on the Stagville Historic Site in Durham County suffered damage from a fire, seen on the bottom left side of the building. (Photo via the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.)

The Stagville Plantation was once one of the largest plantation complexes in the southeast. The property, located at 5228 Old Oxford Highway, maintains many original buildings and has displays meant to teach visitors about the lives and work of  former enslaved residents.

An earlier release from the sheriff’s office said the fire was brought under control once investigators and Durham County Fire Marshalls were called to the scene.

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigation division can be reached at 919-560-7151 and Durham Crimestoppers at 919-683-1200. All calls to Crimestoppers are anonymous.

Photo via the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.

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