Beardstown Places To See

Beardstown Places To See

Old City Hall and Historic Lincoln Courtroom-

On the Southwest corner of the City Square, the Historic City Hall was built in 1844 to serve as the Cass County Courthouse. This is the original building in which Abraham Lincoln tried many cases, including the famous"Almanac Trial" in 1858, when he successfully defended Duff Armstrong who was charged with murder. It is the only courtroom where Lincoln practiced law that is still used to hold court, kept today just as it was in 1844.

Please visit the Lincoln Video page for more information about Abraham Lincoln's famous"Almanac Trial" in 1858.

Black Museum- To the rear of the Courthouse is a museum which houses the Rudy Black collection of Civil War guns and other memorabilia. There is also a large collection of Indian artifacts, the handiwork of the Indians who inhabited this area. On display are dishes which belonged to Nancy Beard, the wife of the town's founder, as well as several other articles of interest, too numerous for mention.

Black Museum - Beardtown Courthouse

Visitors Center/River Museum-Housed in the Chamber of Commerce office, the River Museum features items related to the Illinois River and the river's importance in the development of the city and surrounding area. Displays include handcrafted models of river boats, modern and antique equipment used in working the river such as ice cutting saws, hunting and fishing tackle and boat and barge gear. This unique museum serves as an educational tool to continually remind us of our roots. At the visitor center you'll find a wealth of area information as well as several displays relating to the Beardstown Ladies. You may also purchase their autographed books and other products here.

Grand Opera House- Under current renovation and restoration, this jewel of the Midwest boasts frescoed ceilings, a large stage and dressing rooms, and an interior designed with new-fangled electric lights proved unique in 1893. Originally built in 1872, it provided the entertainment of the day.

Schmoldt Park- Lincoln installed as a Captain in Blackhawk Indian war.