Jerseyville in Jersey County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Our Gargoyles are Missing
Stroll Through History
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Photographed by Thomas Smith, January 18, 2026
1. Our Gargoyles are Missing Marker
Since its completion in 1894, the courthouse has undergone numerous changes.
The dome was originally topped with a 9 - foot tall 300 pound zinc statue of Justice, and four gargoyles peered across the city from atop the courthouse roof.
The statue of Justice fell victim to pigeons - or rather from men shooting pesley pigeons from the dome. Others used her raised finger for target practice.
The hollow statue riddled with bullet holes, became home to a bee colony. Summertime courthouse visits became more dicey as visitors occasionally found themself battling bees.
As county officials debated what should be done with the statue, Mother nature took matters into her own hands. In 1948 a violent storm broke one of the moorings that anchored the statue to the dome. The Statue of Justice was removed.
The fate of the gargoyles is shrouded in mystery. One source suggest they were removed in 1905, when the flat section of the courthouse roof developed a leak and needed repair. No One can confirm that information or seems to know where the gargoyles went.
Erected by Jersey County Historical Society and the City of Jerseyville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 39° 7.163′ N, 90° 19.808′ W. Marker is in Jerseyville, Illinois, in Jersey County. It is at the intersection of North Lafayette Street and West Exchange Street, on the left when traveling north on North Lafayette Street. The marker stands on the grounds of Jersey County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 N Lafayette St, Jerseyville IL 62052, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jersey County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Hamilton Primary School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); G. A. R. No. 295 (about 400 feet away); The National (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ware Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Hathaway Cemetery Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Red House / Cheney Mansion (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Lone Star School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jerseyville.
Photographed by Thomas Smith, January 18, 2026
2. Our Gargoyles are Missing Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 29 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
