Taylorville in Christian County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Christian County Courthouse
1840 - 1856
Until 1853, Christian County was part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. A Judge would travel to all County Seats in the Circuit twice each year to hear cases. The Circuit was almost 450 miles long and took almost three months to complete by horse and buggy.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the attorneys who traveled the Eighth Circuit and came to Taylorville. He had trials in this Courthouse before Judge David Davis, whom he later appointed to the United States Supreme Court. During one trial, Lincoln was interrupted by a loud noise from the hogs underneath the Courthouse. In mock earnestness, he asked Judge Davis to issue a “Writ of Quietus” requiring the Sheriff to abate the nuisance!
This Courthouse was replaced with a new one in 1856 and sold for $267. It was moved several times before being placed on these Museum grounds in honor of its historical significance and its connection to Lincoln.
Erected 2003 by Christian County Historical Society, Bertrand hopper Memorial Foundation, Illinois State Historical Soc., Taylorville Park District and Taylorville Tourism Council.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 39° 33.144′ N, 89° 16.647′ W. Marker is in Taylorville, Illinois, in Christian County. Marker is on Kennedy Drive west of Water Street, on the right when traveling west. located on the East side of Taylorville. Take East Park Street (Hwy. 29) - just before Hwy. 48 turn left onto Water Street. Then immediately turn left onto Kennedy Street. The Christian County Museum is on the right (North) and easily seen. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Taylorville IL 62568, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. In Memory of Taylorville's Civil War Hero Major Francis M. Long (approx. one mile away); Christain County Farmers Memorial (approx. one mile away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. one mile away); Christian County Coal Miners (approx. one mile away); Soldiers & Sailors Monument (approx. one mile away); Taylorville V.F.W. Post 4495 Memorial (approx. one mile away); The Last Stop (approx. one mile away); Lincoln's Taylorville (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylorville.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,776 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on March 25, 2010. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.