Lincoln once said, “To this place, and the kindness of its people, I owe everything.” He was speaking to the community of Springfield Illinois, where he made a home for himself and found his wife.
Today, much of what made Springfield a home to Lincoln is still here. His law office, which he ran with his partner William H. Herndon, is now on the registrar of historic places, and one can take a tour of the historic building. In the summertime, there is a costumed guide portraying Lincoln’s clerk.
Market Street Inn is near Springfield IL Lodging. We are approximately 29 miles from Springfield.
There are several other interesting historical Lincoln sites in Springfield. One can visit Lincoln’s home; the
Abe Lincolin's Home in Springfield IL
only home he ever owned, where he lived for 17 years before leaving for Washington D.C.
It was also here in Lincoln Hometown that Abe delivered his “House Divided” speech. It was during the Republican National Convention; only after that speech did the concept of a “divided House” become common terminology.
Lincoln addressed the people of Springfield at the train depot before leaving to take office in the White House. It was here that he spoke the kind words about his community members quoted at the top of this page. You can visit this Great Western Railroad Station, where Lincoln bid farewell to his friends and family to take on the greatest responsibility of his life.
And, of course, Lincoln’s tomb is also here in Springfield. After his assassination, his remains were returned to the town he loved so much, and great speeches to his unparalleled service were spoken. His tomb is a sizable 117-foot tower, and contains the bodies of his wife and three of four sons. The outside of the tomb features sculptures of Lincoln, and inside are many excepts from Lincoln’s speeches and famous words. It is a powerful place, and an essential part of any visit to Lincolnland.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, an extraordinary new facility, opened just a few years ago. It is open 7 days weekly w/ Wednesday being the late day. One should allow approximately 4 hours for this tour.
I hope you will come to visit us, and Lincoln, soon. There is a wreath-laying ceremony at his tomb on February 12. Starting in June and throughout the summer there is a flag lowering ceremony every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the tomb.
A humble man, Lincoln remains alive because what he did with his life affects us all today. Come and visit the home of this American hero.
