Cumberland County Courthouse (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cumberland County Courthouse
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Court House Sq., Toledo, Illinois |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1887-88 |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000220 |
| Added to NRHP | June 11, 1981 |
The Cumberland County Courthouse is an important building in Toledo, Illinois. It is the main building for the government of Cumberland County. Think of it as the county's headquarters! This historic building was finished in 1888. It has been a key part of the community ever since.
Contents
History of the Courthouse
Building a New Home
The current Cumberland County Courthouse is not the first one. The county's very first courthouse was built in 1856. It stood in the exact same spot where the current building is now. However, in 1885, that first building sadly burned down.
After the fire, the county needed a new place for its government. So, they decided to build a brand new courthouse. This new building was constructed between 1887 and 1888. It was designed by two architects, S. S. Goehring and L.L. Pierson.
A Place for Government
Since it opened, the Cumberland County Courthouse has always been the center of county government. This means it's where important decisions are made. It's where county leaders work. It's also where many official records are kept.
Design of the Building
Cool Architectural Features
The courthouse has a very interesting design. One of its most noticeable features is the tall, central clock tower. This tower stands out and helps people find the building. The building also has special arched entrances. You can find these on both the east and west sides.
Above these entrances, there are balconies. These balconies are supported by columns, which look very grand. Along the roofline, there is a decorative railing called a balustrade. These details make the courthouse look impressive and important.
Historic Recognition
A Special Place in History
Because of its history and unique design, the Cumberland County Courthouse is recognized as a special building. On June 11, 1981, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building for future generations.
Images for kids
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The courthouse was shown on this postcard sent on May 3, 1910.
