Logan County Courthouse
Add to SetSummary
Between 1840 and 1847, Abraham Lincoln tried cases here as a traveling lawyer. Visiting once or twice a year, he worked mostly on cases resolving neighbors' disagreements over land, contracts, and debts. As Lincoln traveled, people got to know him because he always took time to talk to them. This helped him earn votes later when he went into politics.
Between 1840 and 1847, Abraham Lincoln tried cases here as a traveling lawyer. Visiting once or twice a year, he worked mostly on cases resolving neighbors' disagreements over land, contracts, and debts. As Lincoln traveled, people got to know him because he always took time to talk to them. This helped him earn votes later when he went into politics.
Artifact
Courthouse
Date Made
1840
Subject Date
1840-1847
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Illinois, Postville
Creator Notes
Built in 1840 in Postville, Illinois, likely by Peter Cowardin under the supervision of Seth Tinsley.
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Main Street District
Object ID
29.3046.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Oak (Wood)
Walnut (Wood)
Black walnut (Wood)
Plaster
Glass (Material)
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Gray (Color)
Specifications
Built: 1840
Original Location: Postville (now Lincoln), Logan County, Illinois
Owners, Operators and Inhabitants through time: 1840-1847: Logan County Courthouse (Owner, Operator)
1929: In use as private dwelling of Timothy T. and Grace A. Beach (Owners, Inhabitants)
Acquired for Greenfield Village: August 18, 1929
Acquired from: Timothy T. and Grace A. Beach
Other Significant Greenfield Village Dates: September 1929: Moved to Greenfield Village
October 1929: Reconstruction activities completed
October 21, 1929: Dedication ceremony
Greenfield Village Name Changes: 1929-1940: Lincoln Courthouse
1940-1970: Logan County Courthouse
1971-1981: Abe Lincoln Courthouse
1982: Logan County Courthouse
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