Sensing a likely tourism draw, Macoupin County wants to reopen its circa-1870 county jail near downtown Carlinville, Illinois. However, the interior of the fortress-like structure, often called the Macoupin County Cannonball Jail, remains covered with toxic lead paint. About $13,000 has been raised for lead-paint removal in the jail in the past 18 months. Another $18,000 is needed … Continue reading Goal: Reopen Macoupin County Cannonball Jail next year
Tag: Million Dollar Courthouse
Macoupin County Courthouse finishes north-stair renovations
The historic Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville, Illinois, nicknamed the Million Dollar Courthouse, finished $200,000 in much-needed renovations, according to the State Journal-Register in nearby Springfield. The occasion will be celebrated with a program at 11 a.m. Saturday at the courthouse, followed by guided tours, an Abraham Lincoln presenter and the Macoupin County Historical Society Fall Festival. The courthouse's … Continue reading Macoupin County Courthouse finishes north-stair renovations
‘Million Dollar Courthouse’ needs $20 million in fixes
Locals probably were startled and even irritated when the construction budget for the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville, Illinois, swelled from $50,000 to $1.3 million by the time it was finished in 1870. That's why the landmark has been called the "Million Dollar Courthouse," for good or ill, ever since. Imagine their reaction when, more … Continue reading ‘Million Dollar Courthouse’ needs $20 million in fixes