The Macoupin County Courthouse was designed by architect E.E. Meyers in 1867.  Construction was completed in 1870, but not without controversy.

It began as a $50,000 project, supported by bonds and taxes. However, the project quickly shot over the projected amount and ended up costing over $1,300,000 ($1.3 Million) - giving it the nickname, the "Million Dollar Courthouse."

Scandals associated with the construction included the overseeing judge who used limestone purchased for the public project in his own, private Loomis House Hotel construction, which sits a block away from the courthouse in the historic Carlinville Square.

It took Macoupin County 40 years to pay off the debt.

The Macoupin County Courhouse ended up as the largest county courthouse in the United States.

Due to its size, age, and original construction issues, the Courthouse is in need of up to $20 million in restoration and repair costs.