Macoupin County "Million Dollar Courthouse"
- Category
- Landmark
- Type
- Tourist Spot
- Address 1
- 201 East Main Street
- City
- Carlinville
- Zip
- 62626
- Full Address
- 201 East Main Street Carlinville 62626
- Phone 1
- (217) 854-3214
- Source
Description
Construction of the third, and present, Macoupin County Courthouse began in 1867 with a budget not to exceed $175,000. By the time construction was halted in 1870, the project had cost a staggering $1.3 million. Thus, evolved the nickname, the "Million Dollar Courthouse". Not only was the courthouse an exorbitant expense to the taxpayers, rumors of a scandal involving misused appropriations also tarnishe the project. Upon completion, this courthouse became the largest county courthouse in the United Staes with the possible exception of one in New York City. While the courthouse still serves as the seat of county government, it has also become a showplace that atracts tourists, architects and photographers from around the world.