Decatur and Macon County has a landscape rich in Lincoln history. Many "firsts" in Lincoln’s life happened in and around Decatur. It was the first home of the Lincoln family when they moved to Illinois. Downtown Decatur was the site of Lincoln’s very first political speech, and it was here that he was first nominated for the Presidency at the State Republican Party Convention. Throughout his time as a lawyer in central Illinois, Lincoln tried a number of cases in Decatur. Today, the log courthouse where some of Lincoln's early legal cases were heard still exists in the Prairie Village at the Macon County History Museum.
While you’re "Looking for Lincoln" in Decatur, be sure to visit beautiful Lake Decatur, surrounded by nature trails, parks and a golf course. Plan a stop at Scovill Zoo and a trip to the Children’s Museum.
For more information:
Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
202 E. North Street
Decatur, IL 62523
217-423-7000
http://www.decaturcvb.com/
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
Macon County History Museum Wayside
5580 N. Fork Rd. Decatur, Illinois 62521
The Prairie Village at the Macon County History Museum has the only log courthouse in which Lincoln practiced law. Records indicate he participated in 5 cases in the original log courthouse of Macon County during his early career as a lawyer.
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.
Music Please, Maestro!
130 N. Franklin Decatur, Illinois 62523
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.
Settling In Illinois
2600 S. Lincoln Memorial Parkway Decatur, Illinois 62522
In the early spring of 1830, 21-year-old Abraham Lincoln arrived in Macon County Illinois. Along with his extended family built a small cabin and homestead on the high bluffs above the Sangamon River. Within a year the homestead was abandoned. His father Thomas and step-mother Sarah moved to land in Coles County, Illinois, but Abraham would not follow.
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 Railsplitter Canidate
200 E. South Park Street Decatur, Illinois 62523
Lincoln was dubbed the railsplitter candidate at the 1860 Illinois State Republican Convention held in Decatur. Learn more of the story of how he got this nickname by visiting the wayside!
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.
Wake Up Lincoln
101 N. Water Street Decatur, Illinois 62523
On the day Lincoln was nominated as the Illinois Republican candidate for the presidency at the 1860 Illinois State Republican Convention held in Decatur, he was nowhere to be found. A committee of three was formed to locate him. Lincoln had taken refuge at a nearby store.
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.