Things to Do in Carlinville, IL

Hello, everyone! I'm here in Carlinville, IL, the first leg of my adventure. This is one of the places our Bioarch friend grew up, and I feel that I should impart some of the history/things to do in this town.

Anderson Mansion




This was the home of the Anderson family, who owned the Anderson Bank in town, and it has since been converted into the Macoupin County Historical Society Museum. It boasts the history of the county, and it also has several other buildings, including a one room school house, a blacksmith shop, church, and several other historical buildings.

Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually volunteered here one fine day with her best friend, Jae. They were the curators of *drum roll* the Quarantine Room. A sign of things to come? She does work on paleopathology on occassion. :P

The Macoupin County Courthouse



Built with all the grandeur that is expected of a state capital, but alas, the governor chose Springfield, IL, not Carlinville, and that's how the town got the huge courthouse and lost out of being the state capital. Oh well, it's got other claims to fame.

Fun Fact: This courthouse once had a large, ornate chandelier which went missing and no one has ever found it.

The Historic Jail



This historic jail was used for 119 years and only had one escape. The inmate was apprehended shortly thereafter.



Lincoln's Monument Stone



And so marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in 1855 during his race for Senate against Stephan Douglas. Lincoln didn't win that election (or several others) but finally did become a very famous US President.

The Sears Homes



Several decades ago, back in the mining boom, people were flocking to the area in droves and had to have a place to stay. What did they do? Opened up their Sears catalogue and ordered their homes. Yes, Sears used to allow you to buy a prefab home, and Carlinville still has a fair number of these historic homes.

Fun fact: Jae used to live in one, and she and our bioarch friend used to spend their summer days hanging out on the roof! :P

The War Memorial



This war memorial is a reminder to all who behold it of those men and women who served during World War I and II, Korea, and Vietnam. It's on the property of the Carlinville Courthouse.

Fun fact: Our bioarch friend actually helped find names that are on the war memorial. :)