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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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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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“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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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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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum |
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Illinois Visitor Center
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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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