Red Bud in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Kaffenberger- Carnhan Building
200 South Main Street
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 17, 2026
1. The Kaffenberger- Carnhan Building Marker
The building was erected in 1890 after August (Gus) Kaffenberger and his sister. Barbara, purchased the lot occupied by Peterson Bros. Carriage Shop. An architect from St. Louis designed the landmark building in the architectural style of Second Empire with its mansard-style roof and dormer windows. It was contracted to a cousin of the Kaffenberger Louis Heinsisn. The bricks used were from local brick factories. Two stories of the building were almost completed when the Odd Fellows Lodge requested that the Kaffenbergers add an additional floor which they could use to hold their lodge meetings. They granted their request and erected a third floor where the Odd Fellows meetings were held until the 1970s. It is an open room with a view of the entire city and has a grand staircase in the back of the building. The second floor has always housed apartments.
The building was electrified in 1904 and added indoor toilet facilities in 1935. Throughout the years, there have been a multitude of businesses "take up shop" inside the building. The first was the Red Bud Trust Co. Others include the Red Bud Democrat news office. Mercantile
this page online
The building is presently owned by Robert A. and Joyce Carnahan, owners of Market On Main.
Erected 2024.
Topics. This historical marker
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 17, 2026
2. The Kaffenberger- Carnhan Building Marker
Location. 38° 12.639′ N, 89° 59.634′ W. Marker is in Red Bud, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street (Illinois Route 3) and East South 1st Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 S Main St, Red Bud IL 62278, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: YMCA Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The North County News Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowell Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1860 Building (about 300 feet away); Ziebold Building (about 300 feet away); 1860 Building & 112 East Market (about 300 feet away); Brumleve Building (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Ziebold Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Bud.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A clearer, more focused photo of the marker in context. • A photo of the entire building (may be the same photo) • Can you help?
