Five
little questions about the history of the Logan County courthouses
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[NOV. 3, 2005]
How was the location of the county courthouses determined?
When and where was the first Logan County Courthouse?
How many courthouses has Logan County had and where were
they located?
How many of these courthouses did Abraham Lincoln practice
in and over what years?
What role did Abraham Lincoln play in these courthouses?
And the bonus question:
How did Logan County get its name and what role did Abraham
Lincoln have in that, if any?
Let's start by answering the bonus question, as it is pertinent
to so much of the rest of the story.
It begins in 1839:
In 1839, while Abraham Lincoln was a part of the Illinois
Legislature, he created Logan County. Logan County had been a part
of Sangamon County. It was Lincoln who named the county for a
prominent Jackson County Democrat, Dr. John Logan.
Years later, during Lincoln's presidency, Dr. Logan's son became
a known general in Civil War.
The county courthouse was built where the county seat was
located. The first county seat was in Postville. Postville
Courthouse was built in 1840. In 1847 voters decided to move the
Logan County seat to Mount Pulaski.
1847:
Mount Pulaski Courthouse was built in 1848. County legal matters
were conducted there for six years. The building has been maintained
and can be visited.
1853:
Once again voters determined to move their county seat, this time
to the newly established town of Lincoln. The town founders had
named the city of Lincoln for their lawyer, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln
was still relatively unknown beyond the Springfield and Logan County
area.
The third Logan County Courthouse was built at the site where the
current courthouse stands today. It burned down in 1854.
The fourth Logan County Courthouse was built and stood until it
was decided to disassemble it and build a new one.
1905 to the present:
The fifth Logan County Courthouse is the third to sit on the
Lincoln site. It was dedicated on Nov. 9, 1905. The county will
celebrate its 100-year rededication on Saturday.
Abraham Lincoln practiced in all the early Logan County
courthouses up to the one that was the second built on the Lincoln
site. He acted as a lawyer in all of them. From 1859 to 1860, eight
months before becoming president, he served as a judge in the fourth
Logan County Courthouse.
A booklet on the history of the current courthouse has been
prepared with details and personal stories that will enhance your
visit to the courthouse. It will be premiered at the celebration
this Saturday.
Another book covering all of the courthouse histories is under
construction by Paul Gleason.
Come join fellow residents, community leaders and guest
dignitaries this Saturday as we celebrate the courthouse dedication.
