Richland County Courthouse (Illinois)

Surveying began in 1818, after the Indians had ceded the region,[1]: 604  and while the first significant waves of settlers arrived in the same year, a few had come as early as 1815.

Beginning in late 1841, officials used a cabin on the Vincennes-St. Louis road, renting for $1 per month and providing a stove to heat the building.

A budget of $25,000 was reserved for the construction, architect John C. Cochrane was chosen to design it, and the cornerstone was laid in July 1874.

The two-story brick walls were pieced with triple rounded arch windows at each end and in each segment of the long sides,[2] and Tuscan-style pilasters were placed at the corners.

Because many elements of wood in the original design were replaced with stone, the building's construction cost was far higher than expected, slightly surpassing $37,000.

County officials obtained the services of John W. Gaddis for the fourth courthouse, and construction was completed in 1914.

Above the main entrance, "RICHLAND COUNTY COURT HOUSE" is inscribed on the architrave.