In 1871, the Committee on Public Buildings reported to the County Board that the Courthouse (located on the Public Square) was too small and unsafe. In November 1872, voters approved the proposed new court- house. The lot, just north of the Public Square, was purchased for $800.00. The building was built in 1879 (at a cost of $72,987) and was dedicated on April 13, 1883.

The lawyers often stayed at the Tallman Hotel just east of the court house. In the first floor court room, in 1856, Lincoln and Judge Anthony Thornton held their famous debate on political issues of the day. A painting of that debate, made by local artist, Robert Root, hangs in the present court house on the north side of the square.

Courtrooms are open for viewing generally when court is not in session (free admission).

http://www.shelbycounty-il.com/

Address: 301 E. Main St., Shelbyville, IL	Contact: (217) 774-4421
Hours: Mon - Fri : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.

The Lincoln Public Square & Eternal Flame houses the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, designed by local artist, Robert Marshall Root. The square was erected in 1907 in memory of the fighting men in the county. The square has a plaque in honor of Abraham Lincoln who practiced law in Shelbyville and there is also a plaque for Horace Tallman, the inventor of the first mechanical pick-up hay baler. Flags are placed around the square during Memorial Day to Labor Day.

On July 3, 2002, an eternal flame was dedicated to the men and women who have served in past wars. The black granite base of the flame contains etchings, such as General Douglas MacArthur wading ashore in the Philippines in 1945, Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima in World War II and Shelbyville resident August West.

Address: Center of Shelbyville, directly across from Courthouse

Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society is a library for researchers. There are historic artifacts on display. Built in 1892, the building was formerly the Shelby County Jail and sheriff’s residence. It houses a treasure trove of historical images and artifacts, including a brilliant analysis of the painting of the Lincoln-Thornton Debate, with a complete listing of almost everyone pictured in this image. In addition, they have several exhibits directly pertaining to Lincoln in Shelby County and Shelbyville on display.

The Society maintains a membership of over 300 including nationwide individual memberships exchange or paid membership with national libraries (Latter Day Saints, American Genealogical Lending Library, Library of Congress and National DAR Library), State (Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky) libraries, and counties surrounding Shelby County that provide the same type of information as we do and Shelby County Public and School Libraries.

http://www.shelbycohistgen.net

Address: Corner of South First & Washington, Shelbyville, IL	Contact: (217) 774-2260 (217) 774-4082
Hours: Wed & Sat : 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Tues Evening : 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Afternoons by Appointments. Tours of the society or jail are welcome. Group tours please call in advance.

If you are looking for a walk through Lincoln’s Illinois, this is a stop not to miss. Covered bridges of this type were constructed in the United States starting in the 1820s and were erected continuing into the mid 1800s. Though this bridge was built following Lincoln’s assassination, it does offer a taste of the types of covered bridges that Lincoln would have encountered in his travels.

Built in 1868 to span the Kaskaskia River, this bridge is one of only five covered bridges remaining in Illinois. The road on which this bridge is located was once an important route between Springfield and Effingham. The bridge was completed in the autumn of 1868 at a cost of $2,500 and named for the owner of the first mill near here. It is the narrowest of all the covered bridges in Illinois, with a width of only 10 feet7inches. It is 11 feet 4 inches high and the siding stops before reaching the top cord to allow light to come in under the roof. The Howe Truss system, which the bridge uses, consists of panels in which two members cross one diagonal and was patented in 1840 by Massachusetts millwright William Howe. The truss of this bridge is 105 feet long. The roof of the bridge protected the truss from weather.

Address: It is 3.2 miles northeast of Cowden. Turn east off of IL 128. Go 2.5 miles, and signs point the way to the bridge.

Want to take a break from the travel and just relax or do you want to explore more of the landscape of Illinois? Though not from Lincoln’s time, Lake Shelbyville affords both! Whether enjoying the lake itself or exploring the surrounding flora and fauna of Lincoln’s Illinois, this is a stop to be taken and enjoyed.

Lake Shelbyville is a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois and Moultrie County, Illinois created by damming the Kaskaskia River at Shelbyville, Illinois. The area that surrounds the lake is the Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area. The lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the wildlife is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Bordering the lake are two state parks: Wolf Creek State Park and Eagle Creek State Park. Lake Shelbyville's coastline is heavily wooded and sandy, so there are some public beaches on the lake. Aside from the main channel of the lake are many coves, perfect for fishing. The lake is deeper than other major lakes in Illinois, so it is extremely popular with boaters during the summer.

There are full-service marinas, resorts, and campgrounds on the lake. There are currently 3 full service marinas in business which are Findlay, Lithia Springs, and Sullivan Marina. Findlay Marina is located north of Marker 5 just past the bridge on the west side of the lake. Sullivan Marina and Campground is located right outside of the town of Sullivan. Lithia Springs Marina is located on the the southern end of the lake. All three offer slip rentals, boat service and sales, and a store to purchase supplies.

http://www.lakeshelbyville.com