Cahokia Court House State

The Cahokia Courthouse in East Saint Louis, IL, is a historic site that played a significant role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Originally built as a French dwelling in the 1740s, it later became a courthouse and served as a center of political activity in the Old Northwest Territory for 20 years. Lewis and Clark used the courthouse as their headquarters from December 1803 to spring 1804, where they collected information, met with territorial leaders, and prepared for their expedition.

The courthouse, a unique remnant of the French presence in Illinois, was dismantled in 1901 but was later reconstructed on its original site in 1939. It is an excellent example of early French log construction and is open to the public as part of the Colonial Cahokia State Historic Sites complex. Visitors can explore the rooms that once functioned as a courtroom, schoolroom, and legal offices, gaining insight into the history and significance of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

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