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Attractions
The third and current Hancock County Courthouse was erected in 1908. Located at the center of the town square, this Greek Revival and a few neighboring buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. It has an incredible amount of detail inside and out with six marble staircases, stained glass windows, a large rotunda and a beautiful domed roof. The courthouse is still in use with two courtrooms and three floors of office space. For more information about the Hancock County Courthouse call (217) 357-3024.
The Carthage
Jail is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Carthage.
Built in 1839, the old jail is the site where an angry mob killed Joseph
Smith, Mormon leader, on June 27, 1844. In 1903 the Mormon Church purchased
the jail as a monument to their founder. In 1989 the jail underwent major
renovations. It was restored to its original appearance and the visitor’s
center was enlarged to include a theater and exhibit area. The Carthage
Jail is located at 307 Walnut and the phone number is (217) 357-2989.
The Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum resulted from a generous
donation by Dr. Alice Kibbe. She was a biology professor at the Carthage
College and in 1964, when the college moved to Wisconsin, Dr. Kibbe purchased
a large collection of Hancock County artifacts from the college. Upon
her death, the artifacts, her home, and a wildlife preserve were donated.
The museum was originally located in the Kibbe House and was moved in
1989 to a newly constructed museum at 306 Walnut. The museum’s exhibits
include Civil War items, American Indian artifacts and 19th century household
items. Call (217) 357-3119 for specific information.
The Alice L. Kibbe Life Science
Station exists due to Dr. Kibbe’s donation of 160 acres
to Western Illinois University in 1964. Today the science station encompasses
215 acres where scientific research and academic instruction take place.
A wide variety of habitats at the station provide an excellent opportunity
for research and education. The 734 acres adjacent to the station are
home to one of the largest winter sanctuaries of Bald Eagles in the United
States. Call (309) 298-1546 for more information.