Knoxville in Knox County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The “Old Courthouse”

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

1. The “Old Courthouse” Marker

Inscription.
Seat of government of Knox County
1840-1873

Erected 1978 by Illinois State Organization, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 40° 54.501′ N, 90° 17.049′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Illinois, in Knox County. It is on North Public Square west of North Timber Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Knoxville IL 61448, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker,

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measured as the crow flies: Knoxville Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Old Court House (a few steps from this marker); Knox Township World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Indian Trails (within shouting distance of this marker); John G. Sanburn (within shouting distance of this marker); Hall of Records (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 614 East South Street (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Regarding The “Old Courthouse”. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former courthouse:

The courthouse was designed in 1837 by John Mandeville, completed in 1839, and first used in 1840. It is of soft red brick, made locally … The original plans did not call for a cupola, but within a few months the [Knox County] Commissioners decided that one was to be added so it was put on in 1B40. The cupola proved to be too heavy for the trusses and was later removed, probably within the first ten years.

… From 1840 until 1873 the courthouse served the county well. Judge
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

2. National Register of Historic Places plaque
The courthouse, and a neighboring records hall built in 1854, were jointly listed on the register in 1992.
Stephen Douglas held court here in the courtroom located on the second floor during the years when he was district judge. Cases involving abortion, murder, and lesser crimes were tried in the courtroom.

… With the growth of the city of Galesburg due to its modern railroad facilities, agitation began in 1856 to remove the county seat to Galesburg. Several elections were held between 1856 to 1B69 in which all failed to vote to move the county seat. In the election of 1869 both Galesburg and Knoxville were accused of stuffing the ballot box. The courts in several cases, finally selected based on the results of the election, Galesburg as the new county seat in 1873.

Also see . . . Knox County Courthouse and Hall of Records (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the former courthouse and a nearby records building, which were listed in 1992. (National Archives) (Submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

3. The “Old Courthouse” Marker

Front of the "Old Courthouse" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

4. Front of the "Old Courthouse"

View from East Main Street (U.S. 150).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 4, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.