Honest Abe. The Rail Splitter. The 6’4″ fella in the stovepipe hat. Also known as our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
If you’re from the midwest, you know what a big deal he is. Every town has a “Lincoln Connection.”
Author and Lincoln Expert, Guy Falker, claims, “Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is the most significant city in Lincoln’s story. Sure, he made a few speeches there and frequented the town while practicing law in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. But, respectfully, Mr. Falker, I disagree!
Springfield, Illinois, isn’t just my hometown, it’s Abe Lincoln’s hometown too.
In honor of the big skinny guy’s 213th birthday, here’s a list of must-see Springfield attractions with a Lincoln Connection.
The Lincoln Home
Located at the corner of 8th and Jackson in Downtown Springfield, walking “Lincoln’s Block” is a step into 1800’s Springfield. The Home is a designated National Historic Site and US National Park Service Rangers conduct guided tours inside the Lincoln Home. The Lincoln family lived in the quaint quarters for 17 years before his election to the presidency. He was married in the formal parlor room, threw sticks for Fido in the back, hosted rallies in the front yard, even mourned the loss of a child in this home. Free tours are conducted daily, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Expert tip: Grab a cup of coffee before your tour at Wm. Van’s across the street. Roam the Lincoln block sipping your tasty beverage, and take note of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s office at the northwest end of the street.
The Lincoln-Herndon Law Office
Next up, and located just a few blocks away, is the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office at 6th and Adams. This is the only existing building in which Lincoln practiced law. The first floor functions as a Visitor’s Center, but the second floor has been restored to the way Lincoln and his law partner, William H. Herndon, worked in it for several years.
In his biography of Lincoln, Herndon wrote, “When he reached the office, about nine o’clock in the morning, the first thing he did was to pick up a newspaper, spread himself out on an old sofa, one leg on a chair, and read aloud, much to my discomfort. Singularly enough Lincoln never read any other way but aloud.”
Tours are free and conducted daily.
Expert Tip: You must stop at the famous Feed Store for lunch. Located a few doors down on the Old State Capitol Square, this famous lunch staple is a local favorite, and a favorite of President Barack Obama.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Again, just a few blocks down 6th street, the Museum is not your average museum experience. It is truly impressive and interactive. The incredible “Ghosts of the Library” is a theatrical holographic show that will leave you shaking your head. The Treasures Gallery is an enormous showcase of hundreds of artifacts.
The ALPLM is open daily and tickets are available for purchase.
Expert Tip: Bring a few pennies and make a unique souvenir in the lobby!
The Lincoln Depot
Blink and you’ll miss it! Tucked between a few large office buildings, the depot is located at 930 E. Monroe street. The famous landmark is where Lincoln gave his Farewell Address before departing for Washington D.C. in February 1861. This is the last place in Springfield Abraham Lincoln visited alive. Some say he had a sense of foreboding before embarking on the journey.
In the impromptu speech to his supporters he said,
My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place and the kindness of these people, I owe everything… I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return.”
Expert Tip: This is a great photo op spot. Obviously located on the train tracks, from the second floor of the depot you’ll get a birds-eye view of the Lincoln Neighborhood.
Lincoln’s Tomb
Located in the center of Oak Ridge Cemetery, the towering obelisque is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and 3 of their 4 sons. Their oldest son, Robert, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Grave robbers attempted to steal Lincoln’s body 11 years after his death, so he now rests in a concrete covered steel cage buried 10-feet below ground. It is free to visit the tomb.
Expert Tip: Another photo op, and definitely a great selfie opportunity, there’s a large bust of Lincoln in front of the grave. Be sure to rub his nose for good luck!
Bonus Spot: Lincoln’s New Salem Site
If you’re willing to take a little bit of a drive, New Salem is about 20 miles outside of Springfield. The site is a reconstruction of the Menard County town Abraham Lincoln resided in for six years in his early 20’s. Costumed interpreters roam the cabins, shops & sidewalks and make history come alive.
Expert Tip: If you drive two more miles north, you’ll hit the town of Petersburg. Many buildings still boast their original Victorian-era architecture. Ask the restaurant & shop owners on the square about some of their spooky friends. Everyone in Petersburg has a ghost story!
Abraham Lincoln Attractions on Just A Roam Away
