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Springfield is the heart of Lincoln country. Lincoln lived in Springfield from 1837 until 1861. In his nearly 24 years here, the people of city had an enormous impact on his life. While visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln’s Home, the Old State Capitol, Lincoln’s Law offices and the Lincoln Depot, visitors will begin to understand how this man grew from a fledgling lawyer to a President.
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Lincoln's home in downtown Springfield has proved irresistible to visitors since it first opened to the public in 1887. Constructed in 1839 and beautifully restored to its 1860 appearance, the 12-room, Greek Revival house was Abraham and Mary Lincoln's home for 17 years. Today, the Lincoln's home draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Admission to tour the house is free, but tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tour is limited to no more than 17. Pick up a ticket inside the Lincoln Home Visitor Center to sign up for the 20-25 minute tour inside the house.
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The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices are within the only remaining building in which Abraham Lincoln maintained a law office. The site consists of the surviving portion of a three-story brick commercial block constructed in 1840-41. Exterior details reflect the then-popular Greek Revival architectural style. Though designed as a commercial structure, portions of the building were rented for offices and other purposes. Lincoln practiced law in the building from 1843 to about 1852. During his 1847-1849 tenure as a United States Congressman, partner William H. Herndon (1818-1891) maintained the practice. In 1978 the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Central Springfield Historic District. |
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After viewing an orientation video, visitors receive a twenty-minute guided tour of the historic rooms. On Wednesdays during the summer months, a costumed interpreter portrays Lincoln’s law clerk. Exhibits in the visitor center provide information on Lincoln’s legal career and life on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The building is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The Tinsley Dry Goods Store gift shop is contiguous to the Lincoln-Herndon building.
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The Old State Capitol is a reconstruction of Illinois’ fifth statehouse, the first to be located in Springfield. The building served as the seat of state government and a center of Illinois political life from 1839 to 1876. During the dramatic years leading to the Civil War, the building had an important role in the political struggle between Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861) and Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865). Lincoln visited the building frequently as both a lawyer and a politician, serving in the building during his last term in the Illinois House of Representatives and delivering the famous 1858 “House Divided” speech in Representatives Hall, and using the governor’s rooms as a headquarters during the 1860 presidential campaign. The building was the scene of the assassinated President’s final laying-in-state on May 3-4, 1865. |
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Visitors to the Old State Capitol may take a 30-minute interpreter-conducted tour or view the rooms on their own. Also available are a 15-minute orientation video on the building’s history. The building is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.
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Dedicated in 1874, Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas. The eldest son, Robert T. Lincoln, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Also on the site is the public receiving vault, constructed ca. 1860, the scene of funeral services for Abraham Lincoln on May 4, 1865. In 1960 the Tomb was designated a National Historic Landmark and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
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Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery is the second most visited cemetery in the United States, surpassed only by Arlington National Cemetery. This is for one reason: it contains the tomb of our most revered president, Abraham Lincoln.
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum |
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Visit the Illinois State Museum on the south side of the State Capitol complex. Permanent and changing exhibits tell the story of Illinois’ land, life, people, and art. A completely new natural history hall, Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments reveals the exciting changes in Illinois environments over the last 500 million years. Interactive elements, thrilling audio and video effects, life-sized dioramas and thousands of authentic fossils and specimens illustrate the processes that shaped and continue to transform Illinois’ diverse environments. Children can see, hear, and touch in A Place for Discovery. The Museum Store offers a unique shopping experience with a wide selection of high-quality crafts made by juried Illinois artisans, as well as educational toys, scientific games, books, and gifts.
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Nestled a short jaunt between the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Abraham Lincoln National Home Site, the Lincoln Library is the largest public library in Sangamon County. Maintaining a main branch in addition to a Southeast and a West Branch, this Library system offers not only fully up-to-date resources for research but is also home to the Sangamon County Historical Society and the Sangamon Valley Collection. This collection provides in-depth resources for the study of Springfield, Sangamon County and the eleven adjacent counties. The collection was established in 1970. Examples of items to be found here are: photographs, city and county directories, high school yearbooks, city and county documents, long-range planning reports and surveys, histories, and maps.
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Illinois Visitor Center
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“No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting.” Bittersweet words spoken by President-elect Abraham Lincoln as he departed his beloved Springfield for an uncertain future in Washington, D.C.
Today, the Great Western Depot still stands welcoming visitors who want to learn more about the man who left Springfield behind to guide the nation through Civil War. The depot, owned and operated by The State Journal-Register, is located two blocks from Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and staffed daily by National Park Service rangers between May and August. The Depot contains restored waiting rooms (one for ladies and one for the luggage and tobacco-spitting men), exhibits of people and places dear to Lincoln, and a state-of-the-art video presentation recreating the 12-day journey to his inauguration. Make the Great Western Depot a stop on your journey through historic Springfield.
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This site is the birthplace and long-time home of poet (Nicholas) Vachel Lindsay. Lindsay was internationally known in the early-twentieth century for his unique poetry, the artwork he created to illustrate the poetry, and animated performances of his work. Two of his best-known volumes are The Congo (1914) and Collected Poems (1938).
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A nature center with five miles of wooded trails lead you on a journey through the Illinois landscape. Depending on the season you visit, you could discover springtime dogwoods in full bloom, colorful wildflowers of summer, burnished autumn leaves, or snow-covered maple trees bursting with sap. Located on the shores of Lake Springfield and designed by landscape architect, Jens Jensen.
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The Elijah Iles House was built about 1837 and is Springfield’s oldest house. There is evidence that it was designed by the same architect who designed the Old State Capitol. It is one of Illinois’ earliest residences in the Greek Revival style of architecture. Two of Springfield’s most famous citizens, Abraham Lincoln and poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay, are known to have visited the house. Lincoln spent time in the house as a guest of Robert Irwin and he enjoyed many a card game in the front parlor. Because of the house’s impressive architecture and rich history, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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Petersburg is a scant 2 miles north of New Salem. When Petersburg became the county seat, New Salem residents moved to this new county seat and New Salem gradually disappeared. There are many former residents of New Salem who are buried in Oakland Cemetery including Ann Rutledge who was reputed to be Lincoln’s sweetheart. This tranquil old cemetery is just one of several in the area that date back to the 1800’s. |
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Lincoln's New Salem preserves the site of New Salem village, where young Abraham Lincoln lived for six formative years, from 1831 to 1837. Platted in 1829, the town existed for about twelve years before being abandoned and left to pasture. The centerpiece of Lincoln's New Salem is the imaginative recreation of the log village. Built in the 1930s and 1940s as a Civilian Conservation Corps program, the village features twenty-three historically furnished buildings, including several homes, stores, and tradesmen's shops, as well as a tavern, school, wool carding mill, and a saw- and gristmill. Scattered throughout the village are log barns and other outbuildings. |
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The site hosts a number of special events. Many programs are supported by the New Salem Lincoln League, which raises funds through the operation of its Museum Store and gift shop.
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The Menard County Historical Society maintains a museum and archives in the former Frackelton Bank. Built in 1889 on the corner of Seventh & Jackson in Petersburg, Illinois, this lovely Victorian-styled building is on the west side of the Menard County Courthouse Square across the street from the Menard County Courthouse. If you would like to learn more about Lincoln and Menard County, then this is the place to visit.
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Edgar Lee Masters was born on August 23, 1868, in Garnett Kansas. . Masters lived in the home that is now a Museum as a child from 1876 to 1881 in Petersburg, Illinois. He wrote brilliantly about the local life and about his hero Lincoln. His home explores the life and legacy of this man, as well as preserves information and exhibit items from this era.
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The cemetery is located in a field about 1/4 mile off the roadThere are no signs just a lone flag on a flagpole waving in the wind. You have to drive on a grassy road that runs in between two plowed fields. There are approximately 200 graves there. This place was made popular by local Lincoln legend and further developed by Carl Sandburg. This area was purported to be the first resting place of one Anne Rutledge, Lincoln’s first sweetheart. Following her passing and the heartache that ensued, it is believed to have been one of his motivations in moving, which led to his becoming a lawyer.
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Ann Mayes Rutledge, purported by Herndon, Sandburg and others to be the first love of Abraham Lincoln, was laid to rest in the Old Concord Burial Ground. However, the body was exhumed and then buried in the Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg, Illinois when an undertaker became financially interested in the cemetery in 1890. At this time the cheap stone marker was replaced with a granite monument that included the lyrics of Edgar Lee Masters, who is also buried here, and reads:
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Located on 48 acres in southern Menard County, IL, Starhill Forest is a private arboretum owned and operated by the Sternberg family since 1976. The land has been farmed and grazed since the mid-19th century, when Abraham Lincoln traveled on the same road during his New Salem days.
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The Col. Matthew Rogers Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the home of the Long Nine Museum. In 1837 the citizens held a banquet for Lincoln and the eight other legislators who were responsible for moving the state Capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. A visit to this site reveals the details of that celebration and many other Lincoln ties in Athens. This small community is easily accessible to visitors going to or from New Salem.
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Mason County and its seat, Havana, have a longstanding history due to locations right along the Illinois River. In the 1600s, French explorers Joliet and Marquette set up camp near present-day Havana during their early explorations. The area's past is highly connected to Native American Indian communities; Havana is the home of the Rockwell Mounds, the second largest Native American burial grounds dating back to about 200 A.D. Rockwell Mounds cover about two acres and stand 14 feet high. |
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Constructed in 1902, this is the oldest continuously-used Carnegie library in the State of Illinois. Home to a wonderful assortment of old tomes and original printings, it is also home to the Mason County Historical Society. The Havana Public Library District collects genealogical and historical materials that relate to Havana and Mason County. Materials include photographs & images, maps, telephone directories, yearbooks, newspapers, advertisements, and books such as county histories, town histories, and plat books. A genealogical reference collection that also includes the collection of the Mason County Genealogical & Historical Society is housed in this wonderful facility.
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Beardstown sits on the Illinois River and was first settled in 1819 which makes it one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Lincoln argued many cases in the Beardstown Courthouse, including his best known-“The Almanac Trial”. Lincoln was also installed here as a Captain of the Sangamon County Company during the Black Hawk War. During the senate race of 1858 he spoke to the people of Beardstown on the city square. Stephen A. Douglas had spoken prior to Lincoln’s speech.
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Certainly an oddity that crops up seemingly from nowhere; this still functioning water tower is older than most homes in the state of Illinois. A testament to the ingenuity of early Illinois, this tower was constructed as the original pumping station in August of 1889. With a capacity of 50,000 gallons this tower has been a continuous part of the city's water system since its construction. In 1993, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations and numerous unique communities throughout the Illinois River Valley. The Byway showcases great places where you can discover and experience the nature of the region. Whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing, exploring wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife, your possibilities for adventure are endless. The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway will guide you through the Illinois River Valley to some of Illinois' most treasured, natural gems. |
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Named for the capitol of the Isle of Cuba, Havana is the county seat of Mason County. Located on the banks of the Illinois River, Havana is primarily a rural, agricultural community. In fact, sixty-five percent of the United States' pumpkins are grown in the region making Havana a hot spot for tourists in the fall. Nature-oriented tourists can take the Spoon River Drive in fall for a display of colors unlike anything in the west or go hiking at Riverfront Park or explore the 4,500 acres of nearby Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. |
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Tall Timbers Marina is located behind Bellrose Island in a quiet backwater of the Illinois River. Their marina features 40 seasonal slips for boats up to 40 ft in length and The Blue Heron, a floating ships store. For those traveling the river, we offer overnight transient docking for boats up to 50 ft in length. Guest amenities include clean, private restrooms/showers, and on Sundays, we treat all of our guests to early morning coffee and rolls. When Lincoln started out in Illinois, he discovered the networks and arteries of the rivers that gave life to Illinois. Come and see the waterways that made Illinois great!
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Emiquon, an hour south of Peoria on the Illinois River, is one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the country outside the Florida Everglades. It is the premiere demonstration site for The Nature Conservancy’s work on the Illinois River and within the Upper Mississippi River system and may ultimately help guide large floodplain river restoration efforts around the world. Emiquon once was the jewel of the Illinois River, nurturing diverse and abundant communities of native plants and animals in the complex system of backwater wetlands and lakes. Hundreds of nearby archeological sites, including Native American villages and ceremonial and burial mounds are a quiet testimony to the abundant natural resources that supported more than 500 generations of civilization in this area.
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Located nearby in Lewiston this branch of the Illinois State Museum and a National Historic Site is one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of the American Indian in an awe inspiring journey through 12,000 years of human experience in the Illinois River Valley. Visitors to the museum, in west-central Illinois, encounter innovative interpretive exhibits; exciting hands-on activities; archaeological sites; and a variety of special events in a rural setting. The landscape is thrilling and this is the land that Lincoln knew and saw during his travels on the Circuit.
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On January 1680, Sieur de La Salle (Robert de LaSalle) and 33 fellow explorers landed their canoes on the eastern bank of the Illinois River. They built a winter refuge in what is now the southeast quarter of section of Pekin Township. Jonathan Tharp was the first non-Indian resident, building a log cabin in 1824. For some time after the arrival of white settlers, there continued to be a quite large Indian village, populated primarily by Potawatomi, along the ridge of what is today Pekin Lake. |
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The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations and numerous unique communities throughout the Illinois River Valley.
The Byway showcases great places where you can discover and experience the nature of the region. Whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing, exploring wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife, your possibilities for adventure are endless.
The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway will guide you through the Illinois River Valley to some of Illinois' most treasured, natural gems. |
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If you are looking to explore a bit of the rich history of Tazewell County, Illinois and find out about Lincoln’s story here all at the same time, you have come to the right place. The Society Library is located in the Ehrlicher Research Center. The library is usually staffed with two trained volunteer genealogists. They have, in its collections: family histories, research aids, church directories, other society's publications, and copies of Bible records, diaries, letters, photos, etc. The library currently contains over 4000 volumes and is constantly growing.
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When the county seat was moved from Tremont in 1850, a courthouse was erected on this site, where Lincoln practiced law while on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. It was torn down in 1915, to make room for a more modern structure, the one you see today. There are markers around the building relating this and other stories about the site
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If you would like to drive past a home that was not only visited by Lincoln during his time on the Circuit, but was also believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad used to hide slaves on their way north to Canada, this house is a definite necessity. A trap door still remains under the carpet in one bedroom, where it was believed that salves would hide during their dangerous journey to freedom. The architecture is described in a book written by Rexford Newcomb, Architecture of the Old Northwest Territory, published in 1950: "It is a solid two-story brick edifice with pedimented ends and plastered walls. A small Doric porch covers the entrance, which is on the long side of the building. There is a fine staircase of black walnut within the ample hallway; and in the rooms on either side are fireplaces of simple Greek lines." The house is currently a private residence and is not open for tours.
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The heart of Metamora is its beautiful square in front of the courthouse, still used today for local celebrations as it was when Lincoln, the circuit riding lawyer, passed through town. Weekends are full of events on the square like bank concerts, dances and Civil War re-enactments.
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The Metamora Courthouse was built in 1845 and served as the center of county government until the county seat was moved to Eureka in 1896. It is one of two surviving courthouses on the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit traveled by Abraham Lincoln. In 1978 the Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Stevenson House is an austere two-story Federal style structure built before the Civil War. It is located a block south of the southwest corner of the Village Square and faces north on a corner lot. The home is approximately 35 feet wide and 30 feet deep and is set back from both front and side streets.
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The Lee Cabin, built in 1836 and one of the oldest structures in Woodford County, now occupies a spot in the Metamora Park District’s Black Partridge Park. The cabin is open for tours and is often the site for educational experiences which introduce children to “yesteryear.”
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Beginning in the 1830s Mennonites and Amish Mennonites from eastern states, and directly from central Europe were among the pioneers looking for a homeland in Illinois. They first settled in timbers in central and northern Illinois, then were among the first to the prairies. For over a century their rural congregations retained a strong work ethic and faith community apart from the world and public life. Here you can research the story of Anabaptist origins; find a family lineage in their library; visit the museum exhibits and the restored Sutter Barn; enjoy the Resser Prairie Arboretum and tidy Schertz Grandfather Haus; or just share a visit with friends and family.
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Located in Livingston County, Illinois, Pontiac was settled in 1838 after being chosen in 1837 for settlement and named after the Ottawa Chief Pontiac. |
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The Jones House was built from 1857-1858 by John Dehner, a prominent Pontiac citizen who had a stake in the Chicago and Paducah Railroad and represents the type of building (perhaps specifically) that Lincoln would have encountered in the area. Dehner purchased the property from Simon Dewitt in 1857 and when the house was finished in 1858 its value was assessed at $366. Constructed in 1857-58, just one other brick home was completed in Pontiac prior to the completion of the Jones House. Later it served as the residence of another prominent early Pontiac citizen, Henry C. Jones, for who it is named,—a newspaper publisher and the founder and president of the Pontiac Light, Heat and Power Company.
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This three-story wood-framed structure was built for Z.F. Yost, a Pontiac attorney. Begun in 1898, the Queen Ann-style house rests on the bank of the Vermilion River, providing a clear view of the river below and behind the house. Visitors enjoy the same scenery today, filtered through the many trees and shrubs which offer a haven for visiting songbirds and waterfowl. It is significant that the Twenty-First Century has made little impact on the structure, inside or out. Here, nearly all the Yost family possessions remain, some which date back to the 1850's reminding visitors of the rich and varied cultural interests of its inhabitants and visitors, including local attorneys such as Abraham Lincoln. The house is owned by the City of Pontiac, funded by the J. Paul Yost Trust and managed by the Livingston County Historical Society. Open by appointment.
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Lincoln, on January 27, 1860, accepted an invitation to speak to the Pontiac Young Men's Literary Society and though he was in Bloomington for a trial, he took an afternoon train to Pontiac. His speech was a moderate success, and after the presentation, Lincoln went to the home of his friend Jason Strevell to spend the night. The local story says that Strevell and Lincoln stayed up late, talking about politics, slavery, and other national and local issues of the day. As the conversation turned to less important topics, Strevell, who was six foot tall, said he did not believe that Lincoln was really 4 inches taller that himself. Lincoln offered to let himself be measured and stood in a doorway in his stocking feet while Strevell made a scratch in the door frame to mark Lincoln's height. Strevell then measured, from floor to the mark on the door frame, and found Lincoln to be exactly, 6 foot, 4 inches tall.
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Lincoln probably spent more time in Bloomington than any other city in Central Illinois outside of Springfield. He had many close political and legal associates from this area, including David Davis whose influence on his legal career and run for the presidency were crucial to Lincoln’s success. Your tour of the David Davis Mansion will reveal just how this happened as well as what life was like for a wealthy Victorian family. The The McLean County Museum of History rounds out the Lincoln story by introducing the city and the people that Lincoln would have known. Maps for walking tours featuring historical markers and notable architecture are available at the museum.
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David Davis Mansion State Historic Site This beautiful 19th Century Mansion was once owned by Judge David Davis and his wife Sarah. Davis was a close personal and professional friend to Abraham Lincoln and was responsible, in part for Lincoln’s success in obtaining the Republican nomination. This spectacular Victorian mansion has been beautifully restored to its former splendor. The interpretation of the home, includes Lincoln history and a window into the social and political life of the years when Lincoln was in central Illinois.
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McLean County History Museum Housed in a magnificent old courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum tells stories of the people of McLean County including many who would have known Lincoln. A permanent exhibit, “Encounter on the Prairie,” exemplifies the theme of the museum through four galleries: People, work, politics and farming. In addition, the museum also features changing exhibits that explore subjects like the Central Illinois and the Civil War plus periodic national traveling exhibits.
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The Evergreen Memorial Cemetery founded in the early 1820's, is a historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Bloomington, IL. The 87 acre cemetery begins with a simple entrance, winding avenues, towering trees and an elaborate mausoleum. It is a wonderful example of preservation, culture and tradition in Central Illinois.
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The Constitution Trail is a 24+ mile hard surfaced trail running through the Twin Cities that has been developed for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and cross country skiing, providing the community with another leisure use facility for the entire family. Trash receptacles, picnic tables, shelters, port-a-pots, and benches are available at various locations along the trail. |
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Trail Pamphlets available at the Parks and Recreation offices, Normal City Hall, Normal Public Library and Children's Discovery Museum. |
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Abraham Lincoln couldn’t be any more connected to a city than Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln, known as the “namesake city” is the only town to be named for Lincoln before he became President. In fact, he christened Lincoln with the juice of a watermelon. His connection with all of Logan County is a rich one. He argued cases while riding the eighth judicial circuit at the Postville Court House, a building which is open to the public.
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On July 5, 1836, a man named Barton Robinson entered 480 acres of land in what is now Mt. Pulaski Township with he and others who had settled the area several years before. The residents named the new town "Pulaski," in honor of the Revolutionary War hero of the same name was killed in battle in service to George Washington on October 11, 1779.
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For several years, the wagon had been located in the Divernon/Pawnee area, but recent developments prompted Mr. Bentley to contact the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau about the wagon's purchase. Inspired by idea of having this wonderful tribute to Abe Lincoln located in the namesake community, Executive Director Geoff Ladd set out to make it happen. Mr. Bentley wanted the wagon to be located in a community that was rich in both Abe Lincoln and Route 66 heritage, and Lincoln, Illinois is one of those towns. The Tourism Bureau's website and marketing design is centered around those two features of the county's history.
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Postville Courthouse is a reproduction of Logan County’s first seat of government. Constructed in 1840, the original building until 1848 was one of the courts in which Abraham Lincoln argued cases while traveling the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit. Long after being converted to residential use, the original courthouse was purchased by Henry Ford and in 1929 moved to his Dearborn, Michigan, Greenfield Village museum. This replica was constructed in 1953 on the original site as part of the city of Lincoln’s centennial celebration.
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This Museum contains a remarkable collection of Lincoln related artifacts and documents including gifts of the Beckwith family. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last living descendant of Lincoln donated a number of articles belonging to Mary Lincoln – china, books and mourning clothing.
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This self-guided walking tour begins at the town christening site, located at 101 N. Chicago Street, at the corner of Broadway and Chicago Streets
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Mount Pulaski Courthouse was built in 1848 and served as the Logan County seat of government until 1855. Attorney Abraham Lincoln regularly argued cases in the second-floor courtroom, helping to establish his reputation as both an accomplished practitioner of the law and a gifted speaker. After the county seat was moved to Lincoln in 1855, the former courthouse was used as a city hall, school, and post office. In 1935 the state purchased the building and began efforts to “restore” it to an 1850s appearance.
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In Clinton, visitors can explore a rich Lincoln heritage that has remained untouched for years. Discover the important role that Lincoln played in Clinton’s early development for nearly 20 years, beginning with the 8th Judicial Circuit in 1839, two years after Lincoln began the practice of law, until his election as President.
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Visit their historic Abraham Lincoln sculpture by A. L. Van Den Bergen that stands in Mr. Lincoln's Square, downtown Clinton, IL, on the site where Lincoln allegedly made the famous quote, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." These words are inscribed on the front of the pedestal. Another quote, inscribed on the rear of the pedestal, reads "That it may not be forgotten that here for nineteen years as a lawyer and friend, he was counselor and teacher of our forefathers, this statue is erected by the citizens of DeWitt County to the memory of Abraham Lincoln." The statue was dedicated on November 11, 1931.
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Visitors to this site can discover a fully restored building and grounds that depict the elegant Victorian Era and are encouraged to feel free to browse this website and find out more about how a trip to Clinton, Illinois will make lasting memories as they will find points of interest to all age groups.
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Clinton's first library was housed in Rundle Hall, over Rundle's Meat Market, in 1901. Today, the new Vespasian Warner Public Library District, established in 1989, encompasses the townships of Barnett, Harp, Texas, Creek, Clintonia and DeWitt. An addition to the building was completed in 1992. After almost a century of service, the library continues to expand its facilities to meet the growing needs of the community. Its current collection includes 52,000+ books, 2,000 videos, 230 newspaper and magazine subscriptions, CDs and more. Several meeting rooms are available to local groups; the library also offers year 'round children's and adult's programs; Internet access and many other services.
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In 1846, C. H. Moore had a strong desire to invest in farmland and purchased his first 120-acre farm. By 1851, he was considered a very large landholder, owning farmland in five states. As the resident lawyer of DeWitt County, Illinois, C. H. Moore was well respected and had numerous friends, including Abraham Lincoln. C. H. Moore and Vespasian Warner formed a law partnership named Moore & Warner. Together, they practiced law and managed farmland out of the very office building in which Moore & Warner Farm Management is located today. In 1901, C. H. Moore passed away, and the C. H. Moore Trust Estate was established. Vespasian Warner was the first Trustee of this vast estate comprised of more than 35,000 acres of farmland.
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Located just up the road from the C.H. Moore Homestead, this local cemetery holds several treasures. One, the wrought-iron fence at the entry way holds one of the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail Waysides that talks about Clinton’s contribution to the Civil War. Two, there is a nicely redone section of the cemetery that contains the soldiers of the Civil War, including a large monument. Three, there is a locally placed wayside that has the outline and information for all of the buried soldiers.
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Lying just southeast of Clinton in DeWitt County, Weldon Springs State Park is a 550-acre park for all seasons. Weldon Springs' recreational agenda is among the most comprehensive in the state park system, offering recreational opportunities year-round. During the milder seasons, you are invited to fish, boat, picnic, camp, hike, and view wildlife. Or, you might want to pitch horseshoes at the park's tournament-quality horseshoe pits. When the snow flies, hardier outdoors persons not only continue many of the warmer weather pursuits, but add sledding and tobogganing on a one-eighth mile hill, ice fishing and cross-country skiing to the itinerary of their visit. Experience DeWitt County as Lincoln knew it. |
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Political speakers engaged in debates discussing a variety of issues from which party had caused the Panic of 1893 to whether the country should hold on to the Phillippines. Those who attended heard the southern viewpoint on the Civil War and Reconstruction and the story of Count Alexander Lochwitzky's imprisonment and exile by the Russian czar. Former President Taft, House Speaker Champ Clark, Vice Presidents James S. Sherman and Adlai Stevenson I, senators, governors, and judges all made appearances. Most popular were William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Sam Jones. Reverend Billy Sunday was also a regular guest. Female speakers included Helen Keller and Carrie Nation, both making return visits.
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Built in 1865, Union School served the rural residents of Logan County, Illinois for more than 80 years. The historic building was moved to the prairie at Weldon Springs, restored, furnished, and equipped for use as both a visitor center and a temporary classroom for area school groups that wish to relocate for a day. A year-round interpreter is available for talks, programs and activities to enhance the visitor experience. More than a museum, Union School is a "hands-on" learning center with a "please touch" philosophy. Both science and local history are emphasized.
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Piatt County, named for James A. Piatt, Sr., was established January 27, 1841, from territory taken from Macon County. The county seat is currently Monticello. |
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The museum was started as “The Piatt County Pioneers” on March 11, 1965. The name was changed in December of 1965 to “The Illinois Pioneer Heritage Center.” Through the years, many dedicated people worked to preserve the heritage and artifacts unique to Piatt County. The name was changed to “The Piatt County Museum” in January of 1996. They are currently erecting the old University of Illinois Beef Barn and in order to create a new facility for their museum near the Train Museum.
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James Piatt Sr. came to this Central Illinois territory in 1829 and called the area Piatt's Point. In 1837, a plat was registered by Piatt and it was named Monticello by Major James McReynolds, an admirer of Thomas Jefferson. Industry progressed with the incorporation of the Monticello Railroad Company in 1861 and by the 1880's, Monticello was a major business hub in Central Illinois. |
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The continual success of the company helped spawn the construction of mansions on North State Street that became known as "Millionaire's Row”. Experience this evolution and growth of wealth on this one of a kind walking tour through Historic State Street in Monticello Illinois!
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Everyone knows that Lincoln expanded the railroads and used them heavily during the Civil War as President, but before that he road the rails, as they arrived throughout the Eighth Judicial Circuit and even argued cases for and against the railroads in Illinois. Now visitors can experience a bit of the railroad magic in Central Illinois.
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The 1500-acre woodland, garden, meadow, and prairie landscape that surrounds the Allerton Mansion was once the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton. Named “The Farms,” the estate was the center of the 12,000-acre Illinois agricultural enterprise acquired during the latter half of the 1800s by Robert’s father Samuel. The family wealth however, extended far beyond Illinois. Samuel Allerton owned more than 80,000 acres of farmland, was a founding principal of the First National Bank of Chicago, and held prominent leadership positions in five major stockyards, including the Union Stockyards of Chicago. |
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What was once the private oasis for a single family is now a vibrant teaching, recreational, and celebratory sanctuary for nearly 100,000 guests every year. Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a unique cultural and environmental asset of the University of Illinois and serves as a bridge between the public and the educational and research resources of the University’s faculty.
Allerton Park Part 1 |
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Bryant Cottage was built in 1856 by Francis E. Bryant a friend and political ally of Senator Stephen A. Douglas. According to Bryant family tradition, on the evening of July 29, 1858, Douglas and Abraham Lincoln conferred in the parlor of this house to plan the famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The picturesque one-story, four-room wood frame cottage has been “restored” and is interpreted as an example of a middle-class life in mid-nineteenth-century Illinois. The furniture on display is of the Renaissance Revival style, appropriate for a small-town family of the mid-nineteenth century.
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A stroll down Main Street offers residents and visitors alike evidence of the Mahomet Chamber’s motto “Preserving the Past/Building the Future.” Located within this historic streetscape, you will find interesting shops such as: Main Street Mercantile, Wind Water and Light Gallery, Prairie Boatworks Gallery, The Victorian House, City Chicks, and Country Rose Floral and Gifts. |
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The Early American Museum in Mahomet has an extensive collection interpreting 19th and early 20th century life in East-Central Illinois. Two floors of exhibits present architecture, trades and occupations, decorative arts, and childhood and domestic life of the time. The Discovery Room offers hands-on opportunities for children to interact and learn about the residents of the Grand Prairie. Educational programs are offered for all ages throughout the year. The basement features a full exhibit on Lincoln, including his years as a lawyer on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
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Established in 1956, The Champaign County Historical Archives is a department of The Urbana Free Library that specializes in genealogy and local history. In 1987 it was designated the official repository for non-current Champaign County records. Although it focuses on Champaign County, the Archives holds extensive collections of works dealing with the rest of Illinois and most of the states east of the Mississippi. Whether you have Champaign County ancestors (or no connections to the county at all) or are interested in local history, there is a wealth of potentially useful materials available for your research.
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The mission of this outstanding museum is to discover, collect, preserve, exhibit, study, and interpret objects relating to the history of the County, and to provide educational programs about the County's heritage and the Museum's collections. Housed in the historic Cattle Bank, which dates from 1858. With assistance from the Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA) of Champaign County and the Illinois State Department of Conservation, the building was restored by the owners for use as retail and office space. It is now the Champaign County Historical Museum. This building is believed to be the oldest commercial building in Champaign and has over 10,000 artifacts associated with people, businesses and organizations important in Champaign County history and will have both permanent and rotating exhibits.
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The first courthouse, a log cabin, was so crude it saw only two sessions of court in 1836 and 1837. It was replaced in 1840 with a brick and wood frame building that served for the next 9 years. It was in this building that Abraham Lincoln appeared as a lawyer while riding the circuit. The next courthouse, built in 1849, was a two-story building of brick and wood with a bell tower in the center of its roof.
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Krannert Art Museum offers residents of Central Illinois a rich and comprehensive collection of fine art spanning 6,000 years of world culture. The museum's collections of more than 8,000 works of art represent the cultures of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum organizes outstanding temporary exhibitions throughout the year and offers a full schedule of docent-guided tours, lectures, performances, outreach programs, and activities for families. The Giertz Education Center at Krannert Art Museum serves educators with an extensive free-loan collection of art resources. The Museum's cafes open early morning through mid-afternoon and offers an assortment of coffees, pastries, and light meals. Krannert Art Museum is located on the University of Illinois campus, with metered parking during the week and free parking on weekends. Call for current program information and summer hours.
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Danville is the first stop from the East coming from I-74 and for those looking for a unique location, try
picturesque Danville/Vermilion County, ideally located on I-74 in the heart of Central Illinois. For the
history buff-- had you been walking down Vermilion Street in Danville in the early 1850's you very possibly
might have run into a tall, somewhat unkempt, young attorney crossing from his office to the courthouse to
argue a case in the 8th Judicial Circuit.
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Completed in 2002, this reproduction of an early Danville court house tells of Danville’s rich Lincoln history. He tried over 200 cases in the courts here and had many friends in this community. As visitors enter the museum, the first thing they see is an imposing statue that represents the Lincoln that his friends from Danville would have recognized. The museum also houses a recreation of the law office that Danville attorney Ward Hill Lamon shared with Lincoln, and includes a desk that Lincoln actually used. There are many other fine exhibits in this museum that reflect the history of Vermilion County.
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Dr. William Fithian was Danville’s most prominent physician during most of the 19th Century. The house that he built is still standing and is part of the Vermillion County Museum Complex. Lincoln was known to have spent time in this home as Dr. Fithian was not only a doctor, but was also very active in Vermilion County politics. In 1858, during the senate campaign, Lincoln made an impromptu speech from the second floor balcony outside the bedroom that he frequently occupied. The house contains a bed that Lincoln slept in that night. The home is located next to the newly completed Vermilion County Museum. |
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Fithian hosted Lincoln many times when he visited Danville and supported him both financially and with speeches when Lincoln ran for office. In September of 1858, Lincoln gave a speech from the south balcony of the Museum when he was campaigning for the U. S. Senate. The balcony, the window Lincoln stepped out and the bedroom Lincoln used on his visits remain as they were that autumn day in 1858. The bed in the Lincoln room is the bed the tall statesman slept in when he visited Fithian. There is also an original newspaper announcing Lincoln's candidacy, a photograph of him taken in Danville and a hand-written note from Lincoln to Secretary Risley written just a few months before his assassination.
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Located in the heart of the Renaissance District of Danville, Illinois, they have all probate records from the Vermilion County, IL courthouse either on microfilm or hard copy, hundreds to thousands of family histories and files, copies of the naturalizations from the Vermilion County, IL, courthouse, and all cemetery readings for Vermilion County.
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Probably the oldest frame residence in Danville, this house has connections with several important persons of Danville History. It was built in 1850 by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon. Melissa was the daughter of the man after whom Danville was named -- Dan Beckwith. Her husband, Joseph Lamon, was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, a Danville attorney who was for four years the law partner of Abraham Lincoln, and who later went to Washington, D.C. with Lincoln to act as the friend and bodyguard during the Civil War (1861-1865). |
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The Lamon House is furnished with pieces primarily of the 1850 - 1875 era. The fireplace grate is original to the house and wicker chair next to the fireplace belonged to the family. None of the other furnishings are original to the house. The DAR furnished the north side of the house -- that is, the living room, dining room and kitchen. The bedroom was furnished by the Newell Township Historical Society, and the library was taken care of with donations from some of the Danville High School faculty.
Lamon House Part 1 |
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A catch-all name that incorporates camping, fishing, hiking, and a host of other activities the entire family can enjoy, this area covers more than 15,000 acres of park land. Among the areas of interest are: Kennekuk County Park, Kickapoo State Park, and others. |
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In 1816, the land that is now Edgar County was offered for sale by the federal government after it had been acquired through a treaty with the Kickapoo Indians. The following year, settlers began arriving, many via an Indian trail that became the Chicago-Vincennes Road, also known as Illinois Route 1. |
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In June of 1823, the Board of Commissioners established the boundaries for the county square, measuring 310 3/4 feet each side, with a total area of two acres. The roads surrounding the square were also laid out during this meeting. The building on the register is the third building to be built upon the square.
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The Art Center offers a full range of art activities and programs to the residents and artists of the region including exhibitions, classes and workshops, tours to other art centers and events, community outreach programs, and, scholarships for talented youth. The Art Center maintains a permanent collection, the nucleus of which are the paintings by Alice Baber, a native of Edgar County, who achieved international recognition in 1960's and 70's. Other collection pieces include paintings, drawings, prints, and three-dimensional pieces by artists with national and regional reputations.
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The historic Arthur House, built by Henry Clay Moss, in the late 1800’s, is included in the complex that is used by the Edgar County Historical Society right next door to their genealogical library right next door. Also housing a set of displays covering the early history of Paris and Edgar County, the complex boasts a wide array of genealogical research materials and displays covering Mr. Lincoln. The Arthur House is on the National Historic Register.
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Shelbyville was founded in 1827 and named in honor of Isaac Shelby, hero of the Revolutionary War and Governor of Kentucky. The history of Shelbyville begins with Barnett Bone, a Tennessean who, in 1835, built a log cabin along the Kaskaskia River. As a side note, his cabin eventually became the county's first courthouse. Shelby County was formed in 1827 out of Fayette County and was also named as such as an additional honorific for Isaac Shelby. |
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In 1871, the Committee on Public Buildings reported to the County Board that the Courthouse (located on the Public Square) was too small and unsafe. In November 1872, voters approved the proposed new court- house. The lot, just north of the Public Square, was purchased for $800.00. The building was built in 1879 (at a cost of $72,987) and was dedicated on April 13, 1883.
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The Lincoln Public Square & Eternal Flame houses the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, designed by local artist, Robert Marshall Root. The square was erected in 1907 in memory of the fighting men in the county. The square has a plaque in honor of Abraham Lincoln who practiced law in Shelbyville and there is also a plaque for Horace Tallman, the inventor of the first mechanical pick-up hay baler. Flags are placed around the square during Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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Shelby County Historical and Genealogical Society is a library for researchers. There are historic artifacts on display. Built in 1892, the building was formerly the Shelby County Jail and sheriff’s residence. It houses a treasure trove of historical images and artifacts, including a brilliant analysis of the painting of the Lincoln-Thornton Debate, with a complete listing of almost everyone pictured in this image. In addition, they have several exhibits directly pertaining to Lincoln in Shelby County and Shelbyville on display.
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If you are looking for a walk through Lincoln’s Illinois, this is a stop not to miss. Covered bridges of this type were constructed in the United States starting in the 1820s and were erected continuing into the mid 1800s. Though this bridge was built following Lincoln’s assassination, it does offer a taste of the types of covered bridges that Lincoln would have encountered in his travels.
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Want to take a break from the travel and just relax or do you want to explore more of the landscape of Illinois? Though not from Lincoln’s time, Lake Shelbyville affords both! Whether enjoying the lake itself or exploring the surrounding flora and fauna of Lincoln’s Illinois, this is a stop to be taken and enjoyed. |
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Named for General John Sullivan, who was a member of the Continental Army and the First Continental Congress, Sullivan, first called Asa's Point, was named in part because Sullivan was a Northerner, while Moultrie County was named for General William Moultrie, who was a Southerner. |
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No visit to Moultrie County is complete without a visit to the Old Order Amish settlement located in Moultrie and adjoining Douglas County. Although primarily farmers, many of the Amish use their multiple talents in the more than 225 Amish cottage businesses which dot the landscape.
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The Moultrie County Historical and Genealogical Society's purpose is to bring together those interested in the history and genealogy of Moultrie County, to discover, collect, and preserve any material which may help establish or illustrate the history of the area and all its people, to provide for the cataloging and for the preservation of such material and for its accessibility to those who wish to examine or study it. Also, to stimulate and encourage an interest in the genealogy of our ancestors, to promote and publish material in a quarterly publication covering Moultrie County, other counties, neighboring states, and other areas from which our settlers and ancestors came.
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The Moultrie County Courthouse is the only site in Moultrie County, Illinois that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the county seat of Sullivan, the courthouse has been listed on the register since 1995.
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Macon County has a rich Lincoln history and many Lincoln “firsts.” Decatur was the first
Illinois home of the Abraham Lincoln family, he was first nominated for the presidency at
the state Republican party convention and he made his first political speech in downtown
Decatur. In addition when he rode the circuit he tried several cases in Decatur. The log
courthouse where those cases were heard still exists in the Prairie Village at the Macon
County Historical Society Museum. The museum also features a video called “Lincoln in
Macon County” that tells the story of his relationship to this area.
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The Macon County Historical Society had its birth on May 25, 1916, when twelve people met in the Decatur Public Library, adopted a constitution, and elected temporary officers. In August, 1916 there was an appeal for members at the Old Settlers’ Picnic for any items of historical interest. The Society had plans “to establish a library of local and state history, to maintain a museum, and to cultivate the historic sense and diffuse knowledge upon these subjects by meeting and publications”. On more than one occasion over the years the Society became inactive and then reorganized. In 1962 several local citizens met to discuss the reactivation of the Society, with meetings being held in Decatur’s old Carnegie Library until the Society purchased the old North Cumberland Presbyterian Church to establish their new museum and a meeting place.
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Sand Creek Conservation Area
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Richard J. Oglesby is best known both as a friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln. Oglesby helped form the "Railsplitter Candidate" image which put Lincoln in the national spotlight during the 1860 presidential election. Oglesby was also with Lincoln when he died in 1865 and as Governor of Illinois he lead the effort to build Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. In his later years Oglesby helped preserve Lincoln's historical legacy and shape the heroic legend of Abraham Lincoln through his speeches and interviews. |
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The Mansion possesses features of the Italianate style including brackets under the eaves, the low-pitched roof with belvedere (a flat deck area at the roof's center with a balustrade), bay windows and verandas. The interior features vibrant parquet wood flooring, seven fireplaces and a walnut staircase. Throughout the house are furnishings of the era including several items owned by the Oglesby Family.
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Arguably one of the most important downtown areas in Lincoln lifetime, visitors can trace his very beginnings in Illinois to his run for the presidency. At the corner of Main and Merchant Streets a statue of Lincoln commemorates the site of his important “Stump Speech” that propelled him into political prominence. At Main Street Bank & Trust parking lot, plaque marks the site of “The Wigwam” where Lincoln was nominated for President by John Palmer during the 1860 Illinois Republican Convention. Also introduced at this site was Richard Oglesby’s famed slogan, “Abe Lincoln, The Rail Splitter Candidate for President of 1860.” |
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Bursting with unique boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants, you will also find five art galleries within a one-square block area. The oldest building still standing in Downtown Decatur was built in 1856 and first used as a church. Now restored, it holds apartments and commercial space. The hub of their thriving community, downtown is famous for its many street festivals and seasonally coordinated special events.
Downtown Decatur Part 1 |
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Rock Springs Conservation Area |
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Emanuel Good, a Civil War veteran, along with his wife and children were the second family to live there. The Goods owned the house from 1866 to 1903, selling it one year after Emanuel's death.
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Friends Creek Conservation Area |
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Taylorville is often referred to as “the last stop” because when Lincoln and his fellow lawyers, including Stephen A. Douglas, rode the 8th judicial circuit Taylorville was often the last place they stopped before going back to Springfield.
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In the 1840’s and 1850’s when Abraham Lincoln rode the 8th judicial circuit, the last stop was in Taylorville, Illinois. While not in its original location on the city square, the first Christian County Courthouse still exists and is now part of The Christian County Historical Museum. The white frame building was built in 1839 and was restored using original specifications for construction. The simple almost crude interior furnishings echo courtrooms of the period when the practice of law was less formal than it is today. The Historical Museum grounds also include a one-room schoolhouse, an 1800’s train depot, a log house dating to the 1820’s and several buildings that include an amazing array of exhibits and artifacts.
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Taylorville, Illinois, is home to the Christian County Courthouse, and county seat. The County Seat was established in 1839. Inside the building, visitors can find a number of actual Lincoln documents on display and assorted displays for Lincoln the Lawyer.
The 1902 courthouse is the county’s third. The first one was built in 1840 and used until 1856. Up until 1853, it was the last stop on Abraham Lincoln’s 8th Judicial Circuit route and where Lincoln reportedly issued a “writ of quietus” to silence the sound of hogs that were disrupting a trial. The original courthouse has been moved to the grounds of the Christian County Historical Museum at Illinois 29 and 48 on Morrison Drive.
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The hike and bike trail follows historic rail bed 15 miles between Taylorville and Pana. Rustic bridges, wild flowers, prairie plants, songbirds and woodlands create a scenic sanctuary. This section of trail offers a unique opportunity to get out of the car and stretch or even hop on a bike and explore the land as Lincoln knew it along this marvelously exciting stretch of prairie land.
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