Jacksonville in Morgan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Second Morgan County Courthouse
(1830-1868)
| | In Memory of Former Jacksonville Mayor Ron Tendick | |
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 22, 2025
1. The Second Morgan County Courthouse Marker
Jacksonville's first courthouse on the Square was a primitive structure built in 1826. It burned down on December 6, 1827. The second Morgan County courthouse played a significant role and was located on the southwest corner of the town square. This building was the center for judicial and political activities in Morgan County from 1830 to 1868.
On May 12 1868, at the laying of the cornerstone of the new Morgan County courthouse, prominent Jacksonville attorney Murray McConnel addressed the details of the second courthouse. This two-story building was approximately 50 feet by 40 feet and was the first brick structure of this size in Morgan County. William Cullen Bryant, writer from the East described it as "the ugliest of possible brick courthouses with a spire and weathercock on its top."
McConnel stated that "some of the great men of the nation made their first debut" in this courthouse. James A. McDougall was an early lawyer who served as Illinois Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator. Others were Governors Joseph Duncan, John Reynolds and Thomas Ford; Judges Samuel D. Lockwood, William Thomas, William Brown, Jesse B. Thomas, Jr., David M. Woodson and Charles Hodges. Many well-known attorneys tried cases in this courthouse, including McConnel, James Berdan, Waller Jones, David A. Smith, Josiah Lamborn,
this page online
Erected 2016 by the Morgan County Historical Society, City of Jacksonville, County of Morgan, and Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.
Location. 39° 44.034′ N, 90° 13.776′ W. Marker is in Jacksonville, Illinois, in Morgan County. It is at the intersection of Sandy Street and South Central Park, on the left when traveling south on Sandy Street. Marker is at the southwest corner of Central Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jacksonville IL 62650, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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 walking distance of this marker: 1858 Senate Race Here (here, next to this marker); Civil War Cannon (here, next to this marker); Christian Church (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln and Slavery (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Survey Point
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 22, 2025
2. The Second Morgan County Courthouse Marker
Looking NE into Central Park
Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
