Settling In Illinois

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.    

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