Home of one of Looking for Lincoln’s 2015 Signature Events, the Lincoln Days Civil War Reenactment in June, Pittsfield and Pike County is proud to share its Lincoln heritage. All three of President Lincoln’s secretaries hailed from Pike County, and he counted many folks from the area among his friends. The homes of many of those friends are still standing. You can enjoy the stories and learn more about these early Pittsfield residents by taking the Talking Houses of Pittsfield tour. While most of the homes are still inhabited today, one small home, the Shasdid House has been restored and is now open for tours. Stop by the Pittsfield Welcome Center while you’re in town. They’re open M – F, from 8:30 am – 5 pm.
For more information:
Abe Lincoln Project/Looking for Lincoln in Pike County
P.O. Box 62
Pittsfield, IL 62363
217-285-6995
http://www.pikelincoln.com/
Location
Legend
8th Judicial Circuit
Courthouse
Friends of Lincoln
Good for Kids
Guided/Self-Guided Tours
Historic House
Historic Site
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Museum
Passport Site
Recreational
Route 66
Top Destination
Underground Railroad
Visitor Information
Wayside Exhibit
Nearby Sites
Location of Free Press Newspaper
118 North Monroe Street Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
There are two stories pertaining to how Abraham Lincoln and proprietor and editor John G. Nicolay met. Thomas Hall Shastid grandson of John Greene Shastid tells the story that while Lincoln was in Pittsfield he ran into John Greene Shastid telling him that he needed a good printer. John took him to the office of the Free Press and introduced him to Nicolay.
In 1894 Nicolay granted an interview that went viral in the national newspapers. He was asked about the first time he met Lincoln. Nicolay said that he had been actively serving on a political committee in Pittsfield in the year 1856. That year John C. Fremont was running for president on the Republican ticket and Abraham Lincoln and Lyman Trumbull were canvassing the state of Illinois for votes. It was a large district and they had agreed to not stump together.
Nicolay went on to say that the committee did not know who was coming to Pittsfield so they advertised that both Lincoln and Trumbull would be there. It wasn’t a total lie, one of the men would show at the scheduled date and time. When the time came both Lincoln and Trumbull showed up in Pittsfield. The crowds were huge as the two men gave speeches well into the night. Nicolay stated that he was introduced to Lincoln late that evening.
McWorter and Lincoln/Frank McWorter's Church
700 Rodgers St. Barry, IL 62312
Free Frank McWorter, a former slave, came to IIllinois and created a community named New Philadelphia. Theis wayside tells his story and the story of the 1st Baptist Church in Barry, Illinois.
Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois. Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story. Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with. There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
Pike County Courthouse
100 East Washington Street Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
The Pike County Courthouse is located in the central square. Take a walk around the courthouse grounds taking the time to look at the various memorials. Take note of the beautiful WWII memorial located on the south side of the courthouse lawn. Visit the Wayside Exhibit located on the southwest corner. If you need to rest feel free to have a seat on one of the benches located on the grounds.
Pike County's Lincoln
N. Madison St & Washington Street Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
A Looking for Lincoln Wayside
The Pike County Poet
332 W. Washington Street Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
Looking for Lincoln Wayside