Decatur

In 1856, Lincoln was the only politician invited to attend the Anti-Nebraska Editors Convention at the Cassell House in Decatur.  The other attendees were all newspaper editors who were opposed to the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act.  This Act repealed the 1820 Missouri Compromise.  A few months later, another convention was held in Bloomington, adopted the principles set forth at the Decatur convention and the Republican Party was born.

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.    

This wayside is located on the site of Macon County’s second courthouse where Lincoln practiced law during his tenure on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.  Prior to the formation of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Macon County was part of the First Judicial Circuit where Lincoln practiced law at Macon County’s log courthouse which is now located at the Macon County History Museum.

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.    

Richard J. Oglesby was a long time friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln’s.  He was a three term Governor of Illinois and a U.S. Senator.  He was with Lincoln on the day of his assassination and accompanied his body back 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.    

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 had promised to care for the men who served during the Civil War.  Though unable to keep that promise, an organization was later formed, the Grand Army of the Republic or G.A.R.  which was open to all honorably discharged Civil War veterans.  In a small room on the second floor at 253 South Park Street, the twelve original members chartered Decatur as Post No. 1.  By 1890, there were over 400,000 members.

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.