Pittsfield
Pittsfield
has been Pike's county seat since 1833. It is the
county's biggest little city with a population of
around 4200. You would be hard put to find a prettier,
neater town in the whole state of Illinois.
The area around the courthouse is basically intact
with the two-story business buildings standing handsomely,
dating back to the late 1890's. Most of the elegant,
older houses in town have survived beautifully and
stand along wonderful tree lined streets.
Not everything is old. There are newer homes, nice
parks and shopping plazas on the edge of town too.
There are some craft stores around town. If you
want fast food restaurants, Pittsfield's got 'em.
As do many other towns in Pike County, Pittsfield
has its own Fall Festival. The local theater guild
presents plays several times a year. If you are
digging your Pike County roots, the local library
has a genealogy section for you.
Pike
County Visitors Center
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5 p.m., closed for lunch.
A 24-hour foyer is available with information regarding
Griggsville, Barry, Pleasant Hill, and Pittsfield,
as well as State of Illinois maps, telephone books,
and Pike County Visitors Guides. There is a large
Illinois map and Pike County Plat Map framed and
hung for visitors to utilize. The main Visitors
Center hosts a multitude of information for all
of Pike County regarding events, businesses, activities,
attractions, etc.
Historic East School
The Historic East School was designed by architect
John Mills Van Osdell and was built during 1861-1866.
It was the first Pittsfield public school to serve
grades 1 through 12. It is now 51st on the National
Register of Historic Places. Currently the Pike
County Historical Society is in charge of the East
School. They have made it a museum with Pike County
memorabilia such as a dray wagon, printing press,
wedding dresses, furniture and dishes. There are
some local histories, photographs and documents
for the genealogy buff. The museum has limited hours
May through October. The Pittsfield Theater Guild
uses the second floor for their productions several
times during the year.
Pike County Courthouse
Pike's courthouse in Pittsfield is considered one
of the ten most beautiful courthouses in Illinois.
The corner stone for the octagonal shaped building
was laid July 12, 1894. Architect Henry Elliott
designed the building. Robert Franklin, a stone
mason from Nebo, cut the stone with the help of
some of his family. Transoms above the windows feature
stained glass panels. Inside you will find graceful
twin curved stairways that form a balcony on the
second floor. In the courthouse rotunda is a photograph
of Abraham Lincoln that was taken in Pittsfield
on October 1, 1858 by Calvin Jackson. There is no
record of Lincoln serving in this courthouse. Nearly
550 documents of cases associated with Lincoln were
found in courthouse records. Visitors may tour the
courthouse at their leisure.
Pittsfield Post Office
Pittsfield's post office dates back to the late
30's and is quite elegant, inside and out. The interior
features a 1938 painting of the railroad bridge
over the Illinois River. Stop in for a nostalgic
look and say hello to the friendly staff.
River Boat and Bridge, Champ Clark Bridge, Pittsfield Illinois
Post Office William Schwartz - 1938
CITY
OF PITTSFIELD WEBSITE
