Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Metamora Courthouse
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Back of Metamora Courthouse in winter
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Built | 1845 |
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| Architect | Irving, David |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 78001203 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1978 |
The Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site is an old and important building in Metamora, Illinois. It used to be the main courthouse for Woodford County. Built in 1845, it was a center for government and a court for the Illinois Eighth Circuit. This courthouse is special because it's one of only two courthouses still standing where future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln worked as a lawyer.
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Abraham Lincoln's Law Career
Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer who traveled a lot. He worked in many different courthouses, like the one in Metamora. These travels were part of his job as a "circuit partner" for his law firm, Lincoln & Herndon. His firm was based in Springfield, Illinois, and he worked with his partner William Herndon.
Lincoln's Cases at Metamora
Records from courthouses like Metamora show that Lincoln handled many types of legal cases. He helped people accused of crimes and worked on family law issues, like divorce. He also helped manage people's property after they passed away. Lincoln handled over 70 cases at the Metamora Courthouse between 1845 and 1858. These included serious legal disputes and cases involving people seeking freedom.
Lincoln's Path to Presidency
As Lincoln traveled for his law work, he met many people across central Illinois. These connections became very helpful later on. In 1858, he ran for the U.S. Senate against Stephen A. Douglas. Even though Lincoln lost this election, his amazing speaking skills made him famous across the country. This national attention helped him get nominated for president in 1860 by the Republican Party. Lincoln's ability to speak well, which he practiced as a trial lawyer in places like the Metamora Courthouse, was key to his success.
The Courthouse After Lincoln
After Abraham Lincoln became president in 1860, the Metamora Courthouse continued to serve its purpose. It was used as the county seat until 1896. That year, voters decided to move the county seat to Eureka, Illinois.
New Uses for the Building
From 1896 to 1921, the old courthouse became a community center. People watched plays and movies there. Local groups also used the hall for meetings. In 1921, the building was restored. It became a museum to honor the history of law in early Illinois.
Metamora Courthouse Today
The Metamora Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency manages it. The building has two floors. The first floor is a museum about local history and law on the Illinois frontier. The second floor looks just like it did in the 1850s, showing the county courtroom and judge's rooms.
This courthouse is one of only two Illinois circuit courthouses where Lincoln practiced law that are still standing on their original foundations. The other is the Mount Pulaski Courthouse State Historic Site.
