The Complete Story
The Livingston County Courthouse stands as one of Illinois' most beautiful government buildings, a stunning example of Second Empire architecture designed by John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard - the same partnership that designed the Illinois and Iowa State Capitols. Construction began in 1875 after fire destroyed the previous courthouse on July 4, 1874, at a cost of approximately $75,000.
The building rises 55 feet from basement to eaves, with a central clock tower reaching 70 feet. Its symmetrical rectangular design features four corner towers, a distinctive mansard roof with patterned tiles, and elegant architectural details including quoins, cornices, modillions, and belt courses. The clocks crowning the central spire were installed in 1892, a year after electricity and steam heat modernized the building.
While Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas never argued in this exact building (Lincoln died ten years before its construction), both practiced law at this site during their careers as circuit-riding attorneys. A bronze statue of Lincoln stands on the south lawn, commemorating his many visits to Pontiac between 1840 and 1860. Route 66 travelers passing through Pontiac's downtown could admire this architectural jewel, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ Designed by the same architects who created the Illinois and Iowa State Capitols
→ Built for $75,000 after the previous courthouse burned on July 4, 1874
→ The central clock tower rises 70 feet and clocks were added in 1892
→ Both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas practiced law at this site
→ Contains fossil shells in some of the building's stonework
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Livingston County Courthouse
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: 112 W Madison St, Pontiac, IL 61764
What's There Now: Fully operational county courthouse, open to public 9am-4pm weekdays. The restored building is considered one of the most beautiful courthouses in Illinois.
GPS Coordinates: 40.8800408, -88.6291297
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
Continue Your Route 66 Journey
These nearby Route 66 stops are just down the road:
Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
One of the world's greatest collections of Pontiac and Oakland automobile artifacts, created to hono...
Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum
Home to the official Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame, housed in a beautifully restored 1900 City Hall...
Old Log Cabin Inn
A roadhouse that was literally picked up and rotated 180 degrees by horses when Route 66 moved to th...