Traveling in Europe or Mexico, you can easily encounter buildings and historical sites dating back to the earliest known societies. Although the United States was occupied by people far earlier than when European settlers and colonizers set foot on American soil, unfortunately, many of those structures and ruins no longer remain. Illinois history is no different. So I always find it amazing when buildings and homesteads that pre-date the formation of the U.S. still exist — and the story of the oldest building in Illinois is surely one to learn from.

The Old Cahokia Courthouse, located at 107 Elm St., was built between 1737-1740 and first served as a private home when Illinois was still a French territory. The vertical log cabin-style building is indicative of French Colonial architecture of the time.
oldest building in Illinois
Anon a mouse Lee, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
In the 1790s the home was purchased by the United States government and it became a flourishing courthouse and political center. Famous explorers Lewis and Clark used the courthouse during their adventures through the country — corresponding with President Thomas Jefferson, meeting with Native American tribe leaders, gathering supplies, and plotting out plans from within the building's walls.
Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
In 1904, the courthouse was taken apart and transported to the St. Louis World's Fair where it was put back together for display. In order to do so, pieces of its historic wood had to be carried across the Mississippi River.
See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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The process was repeated in 1906 and the courthouse was again transferred to Jackson Park in Chicago, pictured here.
See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
As amazing as it was to move around the Midwest so others could view it, Cahokia residents weren't happy about the dismantling and somewhat destructive handling of the courthouse.
Cahokia residents successfully lobbied to have the building taken apart and moved once more, this time to its first location — although by now the courthouse had only a few remnants of its original wood.
Rklawton, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
In 1972, the courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and it's protected under the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Today, visitors can view the inside and featured exhibits that tell the incredible story of the cabin and its place in Illinois history.
Rklawton, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

So, did you know this is the oldest building in Illinois? Would you tour it? What’s another historic building in Illinois that has a fascinating background? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Cahokia Courthouse website and the City of Cahokia Heights website. And while you’re in the area, make sure to stop by these famous archeological mounds.

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Cahokia Courthouse, 107 Elm St, Cahokia, IL 62206, USA