Lincoln's Legacy

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.    

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