Picturing history: Courtroom, Springfield, Ill.

• 
• 
• View 3 photos »

The building seen here is situated in the center of Springfield, Ill., adjacent to the Old Illinois Capitol, which served as the seat of Illinois state government from 1839 to 1876. This three-story structure is referred to by many as the Tinsley Building. It is best known as the site of the law office of Abraham Lincoln, which was on the third floor. Tthe building also housed a courtroom in which, according to site guides, a hearing was held to determine whether the state of Missouri could extradite Joseph Smith. The Prophet was exonerated on Jan. 1, 1843. The Prophet?s published history indicates that he went to trial on Jan. 4-5, 1843, in the Old Illinois Capitol in Judge Nathaniel D. Pope?s room. Mary Lincoln may have attended a session of one of Joseph Smith?s trials.

Kenneth Mays,