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The courthouse in Mt.Pulaski is important because it is one of only two Illinois courthouses still in existence that were around back in the day when circuit-riding lawyers, like Abraham Lincoln worked in these buildings. From 1848-1855, judges came to courthouses in small towns throughout central Illinois to hear disputes about boundary lines, indebtedness, breach of contract, ownership of stray livestock and occasionally slander or libel. Lawyers, called "circuit-riders," rode their horses to get to places with insufficient legal business to support resident lawyers. Court was only in session twice a year in the Mt.Pulaski courthouse.
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After Logan county government moved to Lincoln, for what purpose was the Mt. Pulaski courthouse building used? Clue: What do you do nine months each year. After whom was the town of Mount Pulaski named? Clue: Illinois celebrates his heroism with a holiday in early March each year. |
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Betcha' Didn't Know This! | ||
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By the mid-1840's Mt. Pulaski was the largest and busiest town in Logan County, and local boosters campaigned to have the county seat relocated from Postville. An April 1848 referendum decided the issue: Mt. Pulaski won, the electorate swayed no doubt by the city's pledge to build a larger and finer courthouse. | |||
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