Thebes Courthouse
Once the County seat of government in Alexander County Illinois, Thebes today is mostly a forgotten little town of a few old houses and almost no commercial activity. This magnificent courthouse high up on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River still stands as a testimony to the architect that designed it in 1845. The famous slave Dred Scott, who contested his enslavement in the Supreme Court of the United States back in the 1850’s, was imprisoned here briefly while he was seeking a trial. It is said that Abraham Lincoln practiced law here also. Alexander County later moved the seat of government to Cairo in the 1860’s so that the heyday of Thebes was very brief. The southern Greek revival architecture of this outstanding building is very beautiful. It was well worth the trip. The view from the upper balcony is exceptional. Cheers.
Thebes Courthouse
Once the County seat of government in Alexander County Illinois, Thebes today is mostly a forgotten little town of a few old houses and almost no commercial activity. This magnificent courthouse high up on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River still stands as a testimony to the architect that designed it in 1845. The famous slave Dred Scott, who contested his enslavement in the Supreme Court of the United States back in the 1850’s, was imprisoned here briefly while he was seeking a trial. It is said that Abraham Lincoln practiced law here also. Alexander County later moved the seat of government to Cairo in the 1860’s so that the heyday of Thebes was very brief. The southern Greek revival architecture of this outstanding building is very beautiful. It was well worth the trip. The view from the upper balcony is exceptional. Cheers.