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Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most important
and beloved presidents, is undoubtedly Springfield’s most famous
resident. Lincoln was born on February 9, 1809, in Kentucky. He spent
his childhood in Kentucky and Indiana until his family decided to move
to Illinois in 1830.
Just four years later, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois Legislature
where he served four terms. Lincoln studied law and received his license
to practice law in September 1836. In April of 1839 he moved to Springfield
when it replaced Vandalia as the state capital. As a new lawyer, Lincoln
opened a law office when he moved to Springfield. For 14 years, from 1839
to 1853, he covered the Eighth Judicial Circuit which included 14 Illinois
counties. In 1853 the circuit reduced in size and Lincoln served another
six years, becoming a very prominent lawyer.
On November 4, 1842, Lincoln married Mary Todd. They rented a home for
a couple of years until they purchased a house in 1844 where they raised
their four sons.
In 1858 Lincoln ran for the United States Senate and lost to Stephen Douglas.
Just two years later he was nominated for President where he defeated
Douglas and two other candidates. Lincoln took office in the Spring of
1861. The Civil War broke out on April 12, 1861. As the 16th president,
Lincoln successfully abolished slavery while holding the states together,
an incredible feat. He was reelected in 1864 and on April 14, 1865, the
Civil War ended. Five days later Lincoln was shot and he died the next
day. He was brought back to Springfield where he is was laid to rest in
the Oak Ridge Cemetery.
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