DuPage County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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DuPage County Courthouse
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 Location in Illinois
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| Location | 200 Reber Street, Wheaton, Illinois |
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| Built | 1896 |
| Architect | Mifflin E. Bell |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003107 |
| Added to NRHP | June 7, 1978 |
The Old DuPage County Courthouse is a historic building in Wheaton, Illinois, United States. It was built in 1896 and looks like a castle! This building served as the main government office for DuPage County, Illinois for many years. It was used as a courthouse until a new one was built in 1990.
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History of the Old Courthouse
The first courthouse in DuPage County was built in 1868. It stood on land bought from Warren L. Wheaton. The building we are talking about, the one built in 1896, replaced that first courthouse. It became the center for many important events in the county.
Key Moments at the Courthouse
In 1924, a famous lawyer named Clarence Darrow was part of a trial here. This trial, involving George Munding, was a big news story at the time. Later, in 1931, a very important legal decision was made in this building. It was a first for the state of Illinois.
In 1959, a jailhouse was added next to the courthouse. However, this addition was later taken down. The old courthouse continued to operate until 1990. That's when the current DuPage County Courthouse was finished.
Saving a Historic Building
After the new courthouse opened, the old building was in danger of being torn down. But people wanted to save it because of its history. So, in 1978, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical buildings.
In 1988, lightning struck the building. It damaged the original tower. But don't worry, the tower was rebuilt! In 1993, National Louis University bought the building. They used it as a campus for their students. Later, in the mid-2000s, the building was sold again. It was then changed into apartments called condominiums.
Design and Architecture
The Old DuPage County Courthouse is made of red brick. It has a tall bell tower and several smaller towers called turrets. These features were designed to make the building look like a grand castle. This castle-like look was meant to show that the building stood for law and justice. It looked strong and protective, just like a castle.
Unique Architectural Style
The building is a great example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. This style was popular for only a short time. Buildings in this style were also very expensive to build. Because of this, the DuPage County Courthouse is one of the few buildings in Northern Illinois built in this unique way.
Inside the building, on the ground floor, you can see beautiful marble panels. These panels go up about 4 feet (1.2 meters) along the walls. They add to the grand and important feel of the building.
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de justicia del condado de DuPage para niños
