The Courthouse

Aug 6, 2025 - Macoupin County’s ‘Million Dollar Courthouse’ in Carlinville, IL received its nickname because when construction was halted (not completed!) in 1870, it cost $1.3 million. That would be $23.5 million dollars in today’s money. At the time, it was the biggest instance of overspending in Illinois history. The outside walls are made of magnesium limestone and it’s 191 feet from the foundation to the top of the dome. It’s an amazing building with long, robust columns.