Carthage, County seat in Hancock County, Illinois.
Carthage is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, that spreads across gently rolling terrain at an elevation of 204 meters (670 feet). Streets follow a traditional grid pattern typical of Midwest settlements.
The city was founded in 1838 and became the administrative and agricultural center for Hancock County during the 1800s. As the county seat, it grew into the political heart of the region and shaped economic development in the surrounding area.
The town center displays buildings from the 1800s that show how early Illinois settlers designed their public structures. These constructions still shape the town's appearance today and tell the story of its founders' values.
The town's courthouse is a limestone structure that houses the administrative services for the county. The location is easily accessible, as the city sits at the intersection of US Routes 136 and 94.
The local courthouse was partly built with stone quarried from the surrounding area. This practical approach to using available materials was typical for Midwest settlements of that era.
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