Welcome to Carlinville, Illinois, where the spirit of Abraham Lincoln and the storied Route 66 converge! Nestled in a unique position as the sole Carlinville on the planet (excluding the fictional Carlinville depicted in “The Judge” film), this charming town, with its modest population of 5,685, offers a wealth of experiences for discerning visitors. At its heart lies a turn-of-the-century brick-paved town square, dominated by a quaint central park adorned with a grand cedar gazebo. This picturesque locale frequently hosts weddings, al fresco concerts, and delightful ice cream socials. The gazebo occupies the historic site of a two-story brick courthouse, where Lincoln once practiced law and penned his most extensive legal brief.
A leisurely promenade around the town square reveals a tapestry of architectural marvels in century-old edifices, alongside delightful eateries and boutiques, each with its own storied past. Adjacent to the square, the historic district boasts several notable landmarks, crowned by the opulent 1876 “Million Dollar” Macoupin County Courthouse. The resplendent homes along “Millionaire’s Row” on East Main Street stand as enduring monuments to the affluent entrepreneurs who amassed their fortunes in banking and trade. The 1896 “cannonball” county jail, situated to the south of the courthouse, adds to the area’s intriguing historical fabric.
Another remarkable feature is the world’s largest contiguous collection of “Sears & Roebuck” catalog homes, all meticulously preserved within a nine-block radius on the town’s northern edge. Carlinville’s community thrives on its array of annual festivals and events. Among the highlights is the spring festival held at “Anderson Mansion,” the residence of The Macoupin County Historical Society. This site, once a grand 1860 manor, hosts two exceptional annual events. The spring festival, coinciding with Memorial Day weekend in May, showcases delectable homemade strawberry shortcake and a plethora of other engaging activities. The fall festival, occurring on the third weekend of September, promises even greater enjoyment for the entire family.
June sees the annual Macoupin County Fair, the state’s oldest continuously held county fair, situated just north of the city limits. This event features a grandstand entertainment lineup, carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, arts and crafts, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, and numerous other attractions, ensuring a memorable family outing.
Since 2015, Carlinville Winning Communities has orchestrated a spectacular Fourth of July celebration at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds. The town also hosts a variety of car shows, showcasing both new and vintage vehicles, courtesy of local dealers and organizations. Additionally, local orchards sponsor autumnal apple and pumpkin festivals, and various clubs and organizations host an array of entertaining events throughout the year, including parades, carnivals, and cookouts on the town square.
Throughout the year, Carlinville’s sidewalks feature distinctive artistic elements, extending from the Walmart Shopping Center on the town’s southwest side to the Carlinville Plaza at the northern end. A crowning event of the year is “Christmas in Carlinville,” a unique celebration held during the first weekend of December around the historic town square and the Macoupin County Courthouse. The square comes alive with handcrafted fine arts, folk art, and craft items, creating a festive atmosphere. The town’s enchanting decorations, accompanied by the melodies of traditional carolers, create a vision of holiday splendor. Children revel in visiting Santa and engaging in myriad activities, while adults enjoy the exceptional shopping experience, entertainment, and the overall charm of this festive occasion.
