In June of 1823, the Board of Commissioners established the boundaries for the county square, measuring 310 3/4 feet each side, with a total area of two acres. The roads surrounding the square were also laid out during this meeting. The building on the register is the third building to be built upon the square.

The building is essentially an octagon. Each of the four sides faces north, south, east and west. An unusual feature in the construction of the building is on every side is stated "Erected in 1897." The building has four doorways each facing northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. Above each of the four entry doors is the year "1897."

A Statue of Justice faces the west on top of a "wedding cake" tower. Clocks were added to the tower after construction was completed on the building.

The Courthouse has a number of markers placed around it denoting the county history and several incredibly beautiful oil paintings contained within the main area. It is on the National Registry of Historic Buildings.

www.edgarcounty-il.gov

Contact: Phone: (217) 466-7433 Fax: (217) 466-7430

Hours: Mon - Fri : 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Closed on holidays.

The Art Center offers a full range of art activities and programs to the residents and artists of the region including exhibitions, classes and workshops, tours to other art centers and events, community outreach programs, and, scholarships for talented youth. The Art Center maintains a permanent collection, the nucleus of which are the paintings by Alice Baber, a native of Edgar County, who achieved international recognition in 1960's and 70's. Other collection pieces include paintings, drawings, prints, and three-dimensional pieces by artists with national and regional reputations.

The building was built in 1842 as the home of Milton K. Alexander and plays a significant role in the local history of Paris. In 1856, Mr. Alexander died and his heirs purchased the house. Milton K. Alexander was the town's first licensed merchant and twenty-five years he also served as the town's Postmaster. Abraham Lincoln handled legal work for Alexander, and was entertained at the Alexander's home. In this respect, the house, located one block from the courthouse, is representative of the town's role as the seat of the Edgar Circuit Court in the years when Abraham Lincoln practiced law as a circuit riding attorney.

www.parisartcenter.com/

Address: South Central Ave., Paris, IL	Contact: (217) 466-8130 Director Susan Stafford email: parisartcenter (at) verizon .net
Hours: Tues - Fri : 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Closed on holidays. Group tours of the exhibits and facilities are available by calling the Art Center Admission: FREE

The historic Arthur House, built by Henry Clay Moss, in the late 1800’s, is included in the complex that is used by the Edgar County Historical Society right next door to their genealogical library right next door. Also housing a set of displays covering the early history of Paris and Edgar County, the complex boasts a wide array of genealogical research materials and displays covering Mr. Lincoln. The Arthur House is on the National Historic Register.

Staffed by knowledgeable personnel, this complex is a gem not to be passed up.

www.comwares.net/ecgl/

Address: 408 N. Main St., Paris, IL Parking is available behind the Annex or on Roberts Street	Contact: (217) 463-4209
Hours: Wed - Fri : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Closed during January and holidays. Appointments for Sunday tours may also be made by phoning (217) 463-5305 in advance.