Mt. Pulaski is home to one of two original courthouses, where Abraham Lincoln practiced law on the 8th Judicial Circuit [1849 - 1854].  The Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit of the mid-1800's covered 14 counties & approximately 450 miles.

In October of 1900, President William McKinley, former President Grover Cleveland, Vice President Teddy Roosevelt  and John D. Rockefeller were here for a large Republican Rally during the re-election campaign of President McKinley.  They stayed overnight at the Mt. Pulaski House Hotel.  1200-1500 people attended the rally.

Music has played a  large role in our town from the late 1800's onward.  Over the years, there were many adult bands.  The high school bands brought back several state sweepstakes trophies.  The 1st lady of radio: Vaughn DeLeath, was a Mount Pulaski Native.

The Vonderlieth Living Center is named after one of her uncles, who was born and raised here and made his fortune in national magazines in New York City.

In 1910, there was the famous Wright Brother's Airplane - Train Race, which started in Chicago & went through Mount Pulaski to Springfield.  The airplane stopped for refueling and water four blocks south of our town's square amidst a gala welcoming. The winner's purse was $10,000, a mighty sum in those days. 

In 1936, our courthouse was established as an Illinois State Historical Site.  Now, visitors can see, feel, and wonder how it may have been in the mid-1800's when Abraham Lincoln, David Davis, Stephen A. Douglas, Thomas Herndon and others practiced law here.

In 1936, our basketball team finished 4th in the state finals - when there were no divisions.  What a great way to celebrate our town's 100th year anniversary!