Downtown Square and Courthouse

Map | Related Events | Related Articles Website

A courthouse structure has existed on this site since the 1830s. The current building, completed in the 1890s, was designed by C.W. (Cornelius Ward) Rapp. From 1896-1906, he operated his own architecture firm in Chicago. In 1906 he partnered with his younger brother George Leslie (G.L.) Rapp to form the famous Rapp & Rapp architecture firm. Abraham Lincoln rode the 8th judicial circuit, which did not include Coles County, but the route led him close to Charleston where he often stopped to visit family. He did however have a significant amount of legal cases in Coles County during his professional career in central Illinois. One of those cases was known as the Matson Slave Trial, which was tried on this spot in a previous courthouse building. A deadly conflict known as the Charleston Riot exploded on this square in 1864 when southern sympathizers, known as Copperheads, fought with Union soldiers and Lincoln supporters.  A historic marker on the courthouse lawn describes the riot. Another marker on the west side of the square details the rally held while Lincoln was here for the 1858 debate. A bustling center of commerce in the 19th century, many buildings are intact with preserved architectural details. Lincoln’s cousin, Dennis Hanks, ran a shoe-making shop on the west side of the square. The home at 948 6th Street belonged to Lincoln’s friend and honor guard at his funeral. Be sure to shop the unique shops and grab a bite to eat while downtown!