Mount Vernon in Jefferson County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Attorney Abraham Lincoln
November 1859
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 15, 2012
1. Attorney Abraham Lincoln Marker
This monument commemorates Abraham Lincoln's visit to this courthouse on November 18-19, 1859. At that time this building was the Illinois Supreme Court, First Grand Division, and Lincoln was here on behalf of his client, the Illinois Central Railroad, which was being sued by the State of Illinois to collect taxes for the year 1857.
The courtroom in this courthouse is unique. It is the only remaining courtroom in which Abraham Lincoln tried a case that continues to be used to this day in the same manner it was used in the 1850s.
This monument was sculpted by Alan Cottrill of Zanesville, Ohio. Excluding the base, the bronze sculpture stands 8½ feet tall. This original Lincoln statue is the product of numerous studies and multiple full-scale casts by the artist and reflects Lincoln's humanity, as opposed to an idealized Lincoln.
Dedicated September 18, 2008
Erected 2008.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 18, 1681.
Location. 38° 19.047′ N, 88° 54.482′ W. Marker is in Mount Vernon, Illinois
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. State of Illinois v. Illinois Central Railroad (here, next to this marker); The Illinois Supreme Court in Mt. Vernon (here, next to this marker); The Appellate Court in Mt. Vernon (here, next to this marker); Why Is Lincoln Beardless? (here, next to this marker); Appellate Courthouse (here, next to this marker); War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Women Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Mt. Vernon Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Vernon.
Also see . . . The Law Practice of Abraham Lincoln: A Narrative Overview. The Papers of Abraham Lincoln website entry (Submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 15, 2012
2. Attorney Abraham Lincoln plaque, at base of statue
Link to Appellate Courthouse, 5th District.
Society of Architectural Historians website entry
Click for more information.
Society of Architectural Historians website entry
Click for more information.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 15, 2012
3. Attorney Abraham Lincoln Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
