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Courthouse tours: Christian County Courthouse
This statue commemorates Abraham Lincoln's request for a "Writ of quietus" to silence the swine under the original Christian County Courthouse in Taylorville.By Judge Ron Spears
Only three courthouses have been built on the same two-acre public square to serve the needs of the people of Christian County since the county’s creation in 1839. These courthouses have centered the community, not just symbolically, but literally by occupying the center of the main square of the county seat in Taylorville. On that plot of ground have walked Lincoln, Douglas, Vandeveer, and some of the other important figures of Illinois legal history. The stories of these historic courthouses and the people and events linked to them are an important part of the development of the county.
After the county was created by legislation in 1839 (originally Dane County), the first courthouse was completed in 1840 at a cost of $2,350. Court was held on the ground floor with other county offices on the second. Lincoln practiced law in this courthouse - which was his last stop while riding the Eighth Judicial Circuit. During one trial the hogs wallowing under the courthouse made so much noise that Lincoln humorously asked Judge David Davis for a “Writ of quietus” to direct the Sheriff to quiet the swine. This original courthouse is now reconstructed at the Christian County Historical Museum.
The second courthouse was completed in 1856 at a cost of around $15,000. There was one large courtroom on the second floor. As the county continued to grow this building lacked proper document storage and the lack of ventilation made it very uncomfortable for users. In early 1901 this building was demolished to make way for the third and current courthouse.
In February of 1901, Christian County contracted to construct a new courthouse for $70,000 ($100,000 including furnishings). The magnificent building was dedicated with great acclaim on Sept. 30, 1902. The tower and tower clock (still maintained and accurate) are a distinctive part of the building. The rotunda between the second and third floors has been restored and is open to a beautiful art glass dome for a ceiling. One wing of the first floor has been dedicated to display Lincoln’s connections to the county. Preservation and renovation efforts have allowed the 107 year old building to continue to serve the needs of the people and preserve the building’s architecture and history.
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