Mount Carroll Historic District

Mount Carroll Historic District is a 118-acre historic area with 272 buildings in Illinois that preserves a cohesive picture of an American town. The grounds include a commercial center with courthouse and library, southern residential neighborhoods, and the former college grounds.

Carroll County Courthouse was built in 1858 by architects William B. Olmsted and Peter A. Nicholson and became the district's central landmark. The area developed around this core, attracting commerce, education, and housing to its vicinity.

The district displays multiple building styles from the town's founding era through the early 20th century, shaping the town's identity as a regional center. The structures reflect how residents lived and worked across different periods.

The location is best explored on foot since the different areas lie close together and traverse easily. It helps to start with the commercial center, then move south into residential neighborhoods or toward the former college buildings.

The district was home to Robert M.A. Hawk, the only United States Representative to ever reside in Carroll County. This connection to national politics makes the town an unexpected point in American history.

Location: Mount Carroll

GPS coordinates: 42.09190,-89.98030

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41