Thebes Courthouse - Thebes, Illinois | Landmark Landing

 

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog! Today I bring you to the "Little Egypt" area of Southern Illinois, to share with you a place that I only learned of thanks to a small roadside sign. Sitting proudly on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River, is the Thebes Courthouse in Thebes, Alexander County, Illinois. I travel through this area occasionally, and I noticed some time ago, the small sign that reads "Thebes Courthouse" along with an arrow, on the side of Illinois Highway 3. This always confused me, as I knew the county seat of Alexander County is Cairo. I decided to do some research, and realized this is a place I must see. When my mother and I were traveling to Tennessee in 2023, I pointed out the sign to her as we passed and mentioned that I'd like to visit. Without hesitation she made a right turn into the small village of Thebes. After navigating a few winding streets and following the occasional signs, we reached the impressive structure. The road and parking is in the rear of the courthouse, but the breathtaking view comes when you make the walk to the front.

Rear of Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    

Since 1860, Cairo, Alexander County's only city, has been the county seat. However it was not the first, not the second, not even the third, but the fourth county seat that Alexander County has had since its creation. Alexander County was formed in 1819, and originally included what we know today as Pulaski County. There, a small town called "America" in the spirit of patriotism, was selected to be the county seat the same year. America would serve as the county seat until 1833, when it was decided that the county seat should instead be the newly founded and promising community of Unity. Unity residents had a courthouse built for $270, and the town prospered for nearly a decade. Unfortunately, in 1842, a fire consumed the Unity Courthouse and it's precious documents inside. It's approximate location was 37º08'59"N89º16'22"W. In 1845, it was decided once again to move the county seat, this time, to the riverside village of Thebes.

Thebes Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore

    Settled in the early 19th century, Thebes, Illinois quickly became an important steamboat port due to its prime location on the Mississippi River, and the river's deep waters in this area. Plans began on the Thebes Courthouse in 1845, with Thebes being officially designated as the Alexander County seat in 1846. In 1848, construction on the courthouse is complete, and it is a standout structure. The style is Southern Greek Revival, (a personal favorite) and the architect is L.L. Lightner. The contractor is Henry Ernst Barkhausen, who built the courthouse for $4,400. Its walls are made of sandstone, and its large pillars leave a bold first impression on those arriving on the river. This courthouse has been touched by greatness, with visitors such as Abraham Lincoln during his time as a frontier lawyer. Other reports tell of Dred Scott, an enslaved man and history making black rights activist, being imprisoned in the Thebes Courthouse dungeon. If only these walls could talk.

Dyer Cabin, taken by Jennie Moore

    Also on the Thebes Courthouse grounds, is this quaint historic cabin. This cabin originally sat on Pigeon Roost Road in Thebes, and was built sometime around 1880 by William and Nancy Dyer. William and Nancy's great grandchild just so happens to be a member of the Thebes Historical Society! When given the opportunity to preserve the cabin, the answer had to be yes. The cabin was carefully dismantled, moved, and reconstructed piece by piece at its present day home overlooking the mighty Mississippi. This was made possible by the love and passion of the people of Thebes. Many volunteered, and the project has been a great success. The society says the cabin is intended to be a tool for education, and I think that is wonderful. Projects like these are made possible mainly through donations. If you would like to donate to the Thebes Historical Society, you can mail donations, made out to Thebes Historical Society, to this address: 26086 Rock Springs Rd., Thebes, IL 62990. 

Myself in front of the Thebes Bridge, taken by my mom.

    Another historic structure that can be admired from the courthouse grounds is the Thebes Bridge. Thebes Bridge is a railroad trestle, a five span cantilever truss bridge, to be exact. The bridge spans across the Mississippi River, connecting the small community of Illmo, Missouri to Thebes, Illinois. Opened in 1905, Thebes Bridge has been carrying vital rail traffic over the rushing waters for more than a century. Just as Thebes was an important steamboat port, Thebes was also a notable railroad hub, even for years after it's title of county seat was stripped away. Prior to the bridge's construction, rail cars had to be taken by ferry over the river, a huge slow down for the railroad. Thebes Bridge was a game changer. It is 3,910 feet in length, and at the time of construction, was the only railroad bridge across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee. 

    If you ever find yourself cruising on Illinois Highway 3, take the extra time to stop and visit this small village with deep history. Although population has heavily declined in Thebes, there is a strong sense of community among those who want to preserve their history. Today the Thebes Courthouse serves as the Thebes Historical Society HQ, and a museum. Places like Thebes deserve to be cared about, and now you and I can do just that! Thank you for reading, as always.