Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois History — The other surviving courthouse of Lincoln’s 8th Judicial Circuit — built in 1848, this Greek Revival building hosted Lincoln as an itinerant lawyer riding the circuit through Logan County. He walked to court from the local tavern.

Visitor Information

About Mount Pulaski Courthouse

Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site in Logan County preserves another of the courthouses where Abraham Lincoln tried cases on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Built in 1848 of locally fired brick, this is one of only two surviving Eighth Circuit courthouses (along with Metamora). Lincoln practiced law here from 1848-1855 before the county seat moved.

Things to Do

Touring the restored 1848 brick courthouse, viewing the courtroom where Lincoln practiced, and learning about the circuit-riding legal system. Combined with Metamora and Postville courthouses, you can trace Lincoln’s legal career. Free admission.

About Mount Pulaski Courthouse

Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site in Logan County preserves another Eighth Judicial Circuit courthouse where Lincoln practiced law. The 1848 brick courthouse served as the county seat and is one of only two surviving courthouses from Lincoln’s circuit-riding days. Lincoln tried cases here between 1848 and 1855.

Things to Do

Touring the restored 1848 courthouse, viewing the courtroom where Lincoln practiced, and learning about Lincoln’s years as a traveling circuit lawyer in central Illinois.

Insider Tips

Another Lincoln courthouse: The Mount Pulaski Courthouse (1848) is the other surviving Eighth Circuit courthouse where Lincoln practiced — together with Metamora, these are the only two remaining. Pro tip: The courthouse is beautifully restored — the second-floor courtroom has original furnishings and excellent acoustics. Small-town charm: Mount Pulaski itself is a charming central Illinois small town worth exploring.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round: Indoor site. Spring: Central Illinois countryside is beautiful. Summer: Combine with other Lincoln sites. Fall: County fair season in surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courthouses did Lincoln practice in?

Lincoln argued cases in courthouses across 14 counties on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Most of those courthouses have been demolished or rebuilt. Only the Metamora and Mount Pulaski courthouses survive from Lincoln’s era — making them irreplaceable historical artifacts.

Wildlife & Nature

Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site preserves one of only two surviving courthouses where Abraham Lincoln practiced law on the Eighth Judicial Circuit — the other being the Metamora Courthouse. The 1848 Greek Revival courthouse served Logan County until 1855 when the county seat moved to Lincoln (the only city named for Abraham Lincoln while he was alive — and he christened it with watermelon juice). Lincoln argued cases in this courtroom during his years riding the 400-mile circuit. The courthouse sits in the small town of Mount Pulaski — named for Revolutionary War hero Count Casimir Pulaski. The surrounding Logan County agricultural landscape supports year-round bird populations — northern cardinals, American goldfinches, and red-winged blackbirds are common.

Nearby Attractions

Lincoln (IL) — the only city named for Abraham Lincoln with his permission — has the Postville Courthouse State Historic Site. Springfield — the state capital — offers extensive Lincoln-era attractions. Elkhart Hill provides scenic views of central Illinois. Atlanta (IL) — a Route 66 town — has the Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower. Railsplitter State Park near Lincoln. Edward R. Madigan State Park provides fishing. Route 66 runs through the region.