Located in western Illinois, just a few miles east of the Mississippi, Carthage is the county seat of Hancock County. This charming community has a rich historical story that interweaves with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latrer-day Saints. Other historical sites associated with Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Joseph Smith and local Native Americans make the area a great place to visit. Carthage has a bright future that includes a safe and quiet place to live and work with a growing economy that revolves around agriculture. The area is also rich in recreational activities such as camping, golfing, fishing, and kayaking.
As part of its history, a campaign speech by Abraham Lincoln is commemorated. Perhaps the most famous historical event to ever occur was the mob slaying of the Mormon founder, Joseph Smith, at the Old Carthage Jail in 1844. The Old Jail, now owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been restored and is open for tours year-round.
Also available for visitos is the historic Hancock County Courthouse, Kibbee Hancock Heritage Museum, Carthage Lake, WOW Park, The Legacy Theater, an old fashioned downtown square with a variety of shops, and several special events year-round. If you are interested in self-guided tours, take a look at some of Hancock County's old barns or take a walking tour in the heart of Carthage.
For more information:
Carthage Community Development
538 Wabash
Carthage, Illinois 62321
217-357-3800
http://www.carthage-il.com/development/index.php
Location
Legend
8th Judicial Circuit
Courthouse
Friends of Lincoln
Good for Kids
Guided/Self-Guided Tours
Historic House
Historic Site
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Museum
Passport Site
Recreational
Route 66
Top Destination
Underground Railroad
Visitor Information
Wayside Exhibit
Nearby Sites
Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum
306 Walnut St. Carthage, Illinois 62321
The Kibbe Museum is located in Carthage, Illinois and houses a collection of artifacts relating to the history of Hancock County and western Illinois. In addition, the museum also recently acquired the former collection of the Illinois Funeral Director’s Funeral Customs Museum. This world-class collection documents the material and social history of the mortuary profession and American funeral customs.
Museum exhibits cover the varied aspects of life in western Illinois from the early frontier days through the early 20th century. Our approach to exhibit design permits closer viewing of most artifacts than you will normally experience in other museums.
Historic Carthage Jail
310 Buchanan St. Carthage, Illinois 62321
Carthage Jail is a historic building built in 1839. It is best known as the location of the 1844 killing of Joseph Smith and founder of the Latter Day Saint movement and his brother Hyrum, by a mob of approximately 150 men. The site is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a historic site with an adjacent visitors' center.
Hamilton House
Main St. and S. Washington St. Carthage, Illinois 62321
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Lincoln in Hancock County
306 Walnut St. Carthage, Illinois 62321
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Lincoln's Agricultural World
500 Main St. Carthage, Illinois 62321
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.