Springfield Home |
Located within a four-block historic neighborhood, the Lincoln Home is the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned. This Federal-style house was built in 1839 and Lincoln purchased it in 1844. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lincoln Home has been restored to its 1860's appearance and has been furnished with period artifacts and Lincoln Family furnishings. Free tour tickets can be obtained at the Lincoln Home Visitors Center. For more details call (217) 492-4241.
If you plan on visiting the Lincoln Home, you’ll need to stop by the Lincoln Home Visitors Center for your admission ticket. Besides tickets, the visitors center provides information about the Lincoln Home tour and area historic sites. Also available is a video presentation and a bookstore brimming with Lincoln memorabilia. The visitors center is located at 426 South Seventh Street. Call (217) 492-4241 for additional information.
The Lincoln Depot, originally known as the Great Western Railroad Depot, is the site where Lincoln delivered his farewell address on February 11, 1861, when he departed for Washington, D.C. The depot offers exhibits as well as a video presentation about Lincoln’s journey to his inauguration. The depot is located at 10th and Monroe Streets. For additional information call (217) 544-8695.
Opened in 1839, the Old State Capitol served as the first statehouse in Springfield. This Greek Revival is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and holds a wealth of Lincoln history. Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech here and an original copy of his “Gettysburg Address” is on display. The Old Capitol was restored in the late 1960's and offers a living history program for its visitors. Call (217) 785-7961 for tour information.
Bank One in downtown Springfield seems an unlikely place to experience Lincoln history unless you would like to view the original Lincoln Family Account Ledger. Lincoln was a depositor at the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company from March 1, 1853, until his death in 1865. Lincoln’s financial records have been preserved and are on display in a special case at Bank One. For specific information call (217) 525-9600.
A visit to the First Presbyterian Church at 321 Seventh Street yields a look at the Lincoln Family Pew. The actual pew that the Lincoln Family rented for 10 years is on display in the church’s narthex. Also on display are seven beautiful Tiffany windows. Call (217) 528-4311 for more information about the Lincoln Family Pew.
The Lincoln-Herndon Law Office is the only surviving structure in which Lincoln maintained a working law office. The building, located at 6th and Adams, was built in 1840 and also housed a store, post office, and a federal courtroom. Lincoln’s office was located on the 3rd floor. Call (217) 785-7289 for details.
The Lincoln Memorial Garden
was founded in 1936 as a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln. This 80-acre
garden is located on the shores of Lake Springfield. Everything planted
here can be found in the three states, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky,
that Lincoln lived. There are five miles of wooded trails visitors can
use to explore the garden grounds. Call (217) 529-1111 for additional
information.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lincoln
Tomb is located in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, the second most
visited cemetery in the United States. Visitors come to see the impressive
117 foot tall granite monument where Lincoln rests. The tomb also holds
Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, and three of their four sons. For additional
information call (217) 782-2717.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Edwards Place, is located at 700 North 4th Street.The oldest home in Springfield on its original foundation, Edwards Place tells the story of Benjamin and Helen Edwards and their life at the home from 1843 to 1909. The wonderfully preserved Italianate mansion was once a center for social activity in Springfield. Prominent citizens and politicians such as Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were entertained at lavish dinner parties and the grounds played host to many summer picnics and political rallies. A visit to Edwards Place will include a guided tour through the formal receiving parlor, music room, family dining room and the second-floor bedrooms. The home is furnished with wonderful examples of Victorian furniture, including many pieces that belonged to the Edwards Family. You also will see the authentic "Lincoln Courting Couch" from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married.Tours are available on the hour Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis on the day of the tour at the Springfield Art Association office. A donation of $3 is suggested per ticket. For more information or to schedule a tour call (217) 523-2631.
Ground was broken in February 2001 for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The structure, when completed in 2003, will cover 200,000 square feet and cost approximately $115 million. Funds are coming from city, state, and federal governments and the facility will be managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The library will hold the largest collection of Lincoln memorabilia in the world. One of the items on display will be Lincoln’s handwritten manuscript of the Gettysburg Address. This facility will shed light on Lincoln’s life and presidency while paying tribute to our 16th president, one of the most influential and revered leaders in American history.