While riding the 8th Judicial Circuit as a young prairie lawyer, Abraham Lincoln frequently visited the community of Pontiac. Lincoln represented a number of local citizens in legal actions, and made connections here that helped him to rise to prominence in state and national politics. One of the most interesting connections revolves around Lincoln's friendship with local attorney, Jason W. Strevell. Today, the Lincoln Story Trail tells the many stories of Lincoln’s connections to this lovely community. Each year, travelers from around the world make Pontiac a stop on their cross-country U.S. Route 66 adventure and visit many of the Route 66 attractions in the community.
Read more about Lincoln and his connections to Pontiac here.
For more information:
The Pontiac Museum Complex and Visitors Center
110 W. Howard Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
815-844-4566
https://visitpontiac.org/
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
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Lincoln Slept Here
221 Mill Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
![Route 66 Route 66](/explore/images/map/17.png)
![Wayside Exhibit Wayside Exhibit](/explore/images/map/1.png)
West Side of Mill Street at Mill Street Bridge
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Lincoln Speaks at Church
225 W Livingston Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
![Route 66 Route 66](/explore/images/map/17.png)
![Wayside Exhibit Wayside Exhibit](/explore/images/map/1.png)
200 Block of West Livingston Street - Presbyterian Church
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Lincoln Visits Strevell
401 W Livingston Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
![Route 66 Route 66](/explore/images/map/17.png)
![Wayside Exhibit Wayside Exhibit](/explore/images/map/1.png)
400 Block of West Livingston Street - Historic Strevell House
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Lincoln Wins County's 1st Lawsuit
200 North Chicago Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
![Route 66 Route 66](/explore/images/map/17.png)
![Wayside Exhibit Wayside Exhibit](/explore/images/map/1.png)
Wayside Exhibit on "Lincoln Wins County's 1st Lawsuit," along the 200 Block North Chicago Street
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Pontiac's Guiding Spirit
200-248 N Vermillion Street Pontiac, Illinois 61764
![Route 66 Route 66](/explore/images/map/17.png)
![Wayside Exhibit Wayside Exhibit](/explore/images/map/1.png)
Located at Fell Park - 200 Block North Vermillion Street - Across from the Depot