Outside of his hometown of Springfield, Lincoln probably spent more time in Bloomington than in any other Illinois city. It was here that he cultivated many of his close personal and political allies and legal associates. Perhaps one of his closest friends was Bloomington's Judge David Davis. History has shown that Judge Davis played a pivotal role in both Lincoln's successful legal career and his run for the presidency. Here, you'll discover the stately David Davis Mansion. You'll get a rare glimpse into the daily lives of this wealthy Victorian family as you explore its beautiful room. Meet the people and hear the stories of this city during Lincoln's time when you visit the McLean County Museum of History.
For more information:
Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau
3201 Cira Drive, #201
Bloomington, IL 61704
309-665-0033
https://www.visitbn.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
The Lincoln Funeral Car
W. Chesnut Street & N. Allin St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701
The Lincoln Funeral Car transported Abraham Lincoln and his son Willie to Springfield, Illinois. 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 Lost Speech
100 US-51 BUS Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Lincoln's fiery speech against the Kansas-Nebraska Act launched him as the leader of the Illinois Republican Party.
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 National Hotel
109 W. Front St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Lincoln stayed in the hotel owned by his friend John Ewing. The Ewing family later became part of the Adlai Stevenson political dynasty.
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 Phoenix Block
102 W. Washington St. Bloomington, Illinois 61701
Jesse Fell invited Lincoln to Kersey Fell's law office and pressed him about writing an autobiography to help promote his presidential candidacy.
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 Pike House
108 W. Monroe St. Bloomington, Illinois 62701
Today, Law offices and businesses occupy the site of the Pike House. The Pike House was a popular hostelry during Lincoln's day. Delegates to the May 29, 1856, Anti-Nebraska Convention gathered at this establishment and delivered speeches from the veranda. There they decried the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the possibility of slavery expanding into heretofore-free northern territories.
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.