Urbana was part of the 8th Judicial circuit from 1841 on, and Lincoln practiced law with and against some of Urbana and Champaign’s (then West Urbana) finest citizens. It was here that Lincoln represented the largest corporation of the day, Illinois Central Railroad, and here that he defended the first person accused of murder in the county (and lost). Lincoln was indeed a “Large Presence in Small Town” as a not-to-be-missed exhibit in the county courthouse attests.
Champaign-Urbana's love for community runs deep, and they can’t wait to welcome visitors to their 'Outside of Ordinary' experiences. Great Lincoln history abounds in our cities and surrounding county with waysides and museums to prove it! Don’t forget that the area is home to the University of Illinois, one of the premier state colleges in the nation, providing extra vitality and depth. Theatres, boutique shopping, nightlife, fine dining and unparalleled attractions provide for an outstanding and ‘Outside of Ordinary’ experience.
Where exactly is Champaign County? It’s at the heart of the state, in East Central Illinois, nearly equidistant to Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis. With three interstates intersecting in Champaign–Urbana, an Amtrak station and Willard Airport, getting here to the area is easy for everyone.
Check out their blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for inspiration, and share your #OutsideOfOrdinary experiences with them!
For more information:
Visit Champaign County
17 E. Taylor Street
Champaign, IL 61820
217-351-4133
https://experiencecu.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
Lincoln the Lawyer
400 W Indiana Ave (Carle Park) Urbana, IL 61801
Renowned sculptor Lorado Taft created this bronze likeness of the young Lincoln in 1926. It recalls Lincoln’s early days of practicing law on the Circuit, when his friend Joseph Cunningham-whose wife commissioned the sculpture—knew him. It graces Urbana’s Carle Park.
Homer Lake Interpretive Center
2573 Homer Lake Road Homer, Illinois 61849
The Homer Lake Interpretive Center, located at Homer Lake Forest Preserve, features a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, live animals and a wildlife viewing area. The forest preserve offers fishing, boating, and a Nature Playscape as well. The Interpretive Center can stamp your National Parks passport too!
Champaign County Courthouse
101 E Main St Urbana, IL 61801
During your visit to the Champaign County Courthouse, you’ll be treated to the experience of the sights and sounds of Lincoln’s legal career very near the exact spot where he tried the cases of the day. Enter the 1850’s courtroom and hear Lincoln’s voice and witness a fascinating object theater presentation about Lincoln’s legal career in Urbana.
By visiting this companion exhibit to the exhibit at the Museum of the Grand Praire in Mahomet, visitors will truly be enraptured by an all-encompassing tale of Lincoln the lawyer.
Cell phones and cameras are not allowed inside the courthouse. Entry via the Main Street entrance. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Closed Federal Holidays.
Champaign County's Lincoln
950 N. Lombard St. Mahomet, Illinois 61853
Visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie, get your passport stamped and learn about the Lincoln Champaign County knew. Learn about Lincoln’s court cases, and the early courthouses here.
Champaign’s Lincoln
201-223 N 1st St. Champaign, Illinois 61820
Located in the heart of Champaign and near the spot where Lincoln spoke at the Goose Pond church and across the street from the Champaign County History Museum, this sign tells the story of West Urbana’s early days.
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.