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
My Old Friend Abe Lincoln
950 N. Lombard St. Mahomet, Illinois 61853
Inside the Museum of the Grand Prairie, learn about Lincoln’s friends and supporters in Champaign County before visiting their exhibit, “Champaign County’s Lincoln.”
On the Bloomington Road
2574 Co Rd 14 Homer, Illinois 61849
Located near the road Lincoln traveled between Urbana and Danville, this sign details the difficulty of travel in Lincoln’s day.
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 Clark Neighborhood
2574 Co Rd 14 Homer, Illinois 61849
Now part of a county Forest Preserve, the Clark neighborhood near Homer, Illinois was well populated when Lincoln passed by.
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.
Urbana's Lincoln
110 E Main Street Urbana, Illinois 61801
Murder, larceny, slander and so many more cases were tried in the Champaign County courthouse. With the current courthouse in the background, enjoy downtown Urbana while visiting. Inside the courthouse is a small exhibit devoted to Lincoln.