The Jones Law Office is a historic building within St. Charles, Ill. You can find it at Langum Park in an area known as Camp Kane.
Jones Law Office
The Jones Law Office is rather small, only measuring 14 feet by 18 feet. It is thought to have been constructed in 1843.
The historic structure was originally owned by Steven S. Jones, who is credited with suggesting to change the city’s name from Charleston to St. Charles.
He is also known to be the first attorney in the Fox Valley area.
Jones’ law office was also used as a holding cell for deserters of the Civil War. When you look in through the window, some graffiti done by soldiers imprisoned in the historic building can still be seen on the south wall.
Camp Kane
Camp Kane was the training ground for the 8th Illinois Calvary during the Civil War, beginning in September 1861. Later in the war, the 17th Illinois Calvary also trained at the site.
Training at Camp Kane began after John F. Farnsworth, abolitionist and congressman, was given permission by his friend, President Abraham Lincoln.
The 8th Calvary fought in battles such as Gettysburg in which the first shot was fired by Eighth Cavalryman Lt. Marcellus Jones.
Visiting and Recreation
The Jones Law Office is not typically open for you to step inside, but because the one-room structure is so small, you can see the entire inside of the historic building by looking through its windows.
There are also informational signs providing details about the law office and Camp Kane. A monument dedicated to the first shot at Gettysburg is located in front of the building.
The surrounding park and wooded area provides a scenic background to explore.
Across the street, there is a path along the Fox River.
More Information
For more information go to the St. Charles Public Library's website and the St. Charles History Museum's website.
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