Federal Courtroom

In the Tinsley Building, Abraham Lincoln and his partners first rented space directly over the U.S. Circuit courtroom. In fact, they could listen to proceedings through the trap door you see in the ceiling. Judge Nathaniel Pope had admitted Lincoln to practice in the U.S. circuit court system starting December 9, 1839.

This restored courtroom was the only Illinois federal court from 1841 to 1855, when the offices moved to Chicago.

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