Choose Charleston for Lincoln history!
First, be sure to visit the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum commemorating one of the seven debates between Senator Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln and built at the very site of the 1858 debate. This debate was witnessed by a crowd of over 12,000 people.
Next, learn about Lincoln’s family ties to Charleston by visiting Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in nearby Lerna, the last farm of his father and stepmother, Thomas and Sarah. And while visiting, get your National Parks Passport stamped. Thomas and Sara Bush Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother, were among the early settlers in the Charleston area.
Later in his career, Abraham often visited the area, both for business and pleasure. Charleston was the last trip from Springfield he made before assuming his place as our 16th president. Lincoln's affection for the humble folk of the Goosenest Prairie remained strong throughout his life.
Before you go, be sure to stop by the Moore Home to see the location where Abraham said goodbye to his beloved stepmother before assuming the presidency in Washington.
Finally, end your Lincoln-related visit by reading the historical markers on the square telling the 19th- century story of the Charleston Riot and the historic courthouse.
You will find Charleston an excellent stop on any Lincoln or history adventure!
Listen to a podcast about the Charleston Riot by clicking here.
For more information:
Charleston Tourism Office
520 Jackson Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 345-2484
https://www.charlestonillinois.org/community/charleston_tourism/index.php
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
Lincoln in Coles County
518 6th St. Charleston, Illinois 61920
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.
Lincoln's Care for His Family
402 S. Lincoln Hwy Lerna, Illinois 62440
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.
Lincoln's Last Visit
1705 Broadway Ave. Mattoon, Illinois 61938
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.
Rally After the Debate
518 6th St. Charleston, Illinois 61920
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.
The Debates in Mattoon
1705 Broadway Ave. Matton, Illinois 61938
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.