Logan County Courthouse

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Courthouse

Date Made

1840

Subject Date

1840-1847

Creator Notes

Built in 1840 in Postville, Illinois, likely by Peter Cowardin under the supervision of Seth Tinsley.

Location

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 completedOctober 21, 1929: Dedication ceremony
Greenfield Village Name Changes: 1929-1940: Lincoln Courthouse
1940-1970: Logan County Courthouse1971-1981: Abe Lincoln Courthouse1982: Logan County Courthouse
Logan County Courthouse