History of Mount Pulaski
Mount Pulaski, Illinois, founded in 1836 by Jabez Capps, George Washington Turley and Dr. Barton Robinson, is a town of 1,800 people quietly nestled in the southeastern part of Logan County amidst some of the richest farmland in the world. Our town was named after Count Casimir Pulaski, a Polish Brigadier General, who gave his life in our Revolutionary War. Mt. Pulaski is home to one of two remaining original courthouses where Abraham Lincoln practiced law on the Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit [1849 - 1854].
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.
Mt. Pulaski earned the nickname "Vinegar Hill" because prior to the repeal of the eighteenth amendment (prohibition) in 1933, Mt. Pulaski stayed "wet" longer than the surrounding "dry" towns. Since Mt. Pulaski had thirteen prosperous saloons and a few bootleggers, the railroads brought customers into town from every direction. They would come with empty flasks and leave with full ones. Upon nearing town, the conductor would call out "Vinegar Hill next stop."
In 1936, on our 100th year anniversary, our courthouse was established as and Illinois State Historical Site. Now, visitors can see, feel, and wonder how it may have been in the mid-1900's when Abraham Lincoln, David Davis, Stephen A Douglas, Thomas Herndon and others practiced law here. Also worth noting, 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!
Our combination of friendly people, historic charm and central location makes Mt. Pulaski a great place to visit and an even better place to live.
