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 and Photography
101-199 S Race St. Urbana, IL 61801
In the center of Urbana, near this site, Lincoln had his photograph taken by Samuel Alschuler, an itinerant photographer. The same photographer would take the first photo of the bearded Lincoln shortly after his election to the presidency.
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 at Kelley's Tavern
2193 Homer Lake Rd St. Joseph, Illinois 61873
On the road between Urbana and Danville, as Lincoln traveled to the next court date, was Kelley’s Tavern near St. Joseph, Illinois where Lincoln spent time with his fellow lawyers. This sign marks the location.
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 in Tolono
103 Long St. Tolono, Illinois 61880
The Great Western Railroad ran through Tolono. As Lincoln left Illinois, he stopped here making a brief and poignant speech. This sign marks the location.
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 Mahomet
1401-1483 U.S. 150 Mahomet, IL 61853
Located on a bluff near the site of the Ohio Tavern, where Lincoln stayed when passing through, this two sided wayside offers details of Lincoln’s relationship with B.F. Harris and Mahomet (once Middletown’s) early residents
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.
Mahomet's Lincoln
1401-1483 US 150 Mahomet, Illinois 61853
Located on a bluff near the site of the Ohio Tavern, where Lincoln stayed when passing through, this two sided wayside offers details of Lincoln’s relationship with B.F. Harris and Mahomet (once Middletown’s) early residents