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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is located in downtown Springfield, six blocks from the Henry Mischler House Bed and Breakfast. The library houses the largest collection of Lincoln papers and memorabilia in existence, and attracts Lincoln scholars and researchers from all over the world. The museum and interpretive center has theatres, displays, and interactive exhibits, including a high-tech Holovision Theatre. One of five original copies of the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln’s stovepipe hat, and leather briefcase are on display here. Visitors will be able to experience the life and work of Abraham Lincoln from his days in his log cabin to the White House. Adult admission to the museum is $7.50.
Lincoln’s Home - 8th and Jackson Just
walk out the front of the Inn and walk across the street to
visit the completely restored home of the Lincoln family.
This
historic, four-square block neighborhood is where the Lincoln family
resided for seventeen years (1844-1861). Tours of the
only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned are conducted by park rangers.
Free tickets are required and may be obtained at the Lincoln Home
Visitor on a daily first-come, first-served basis. Hours are from
8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. daily and they are closed New
Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Lincoln’s New Salem Located 20 miles northwest of Springfield on Route 97. Abraham Lincoln grew to “a man of purpose and destiny” during the six years he lived in New Salem from 1831 to 1837. While there, he was a clerk in the general store, enlisted in the Blackhawk War, served as postmaster and deputy surveyor, studied law, and was elected to the state legislature. Step back in time 150 years to the reconstructed historic village of log cabins, shops, and stores where living history comes alive. Costumed interpreters portray the people who lived and worked here and demonstrate pioneer life in the 1830’s. Hours: March through October – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays. Suggested donation. Call (217) 632-4000 for more information.
Lincoln’s Tomb Located at Oak Ridge Cemetery, this is the final resting place for Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and their sons, Tad, Willie, and Eddie. Their oldest son, Robert, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. There is a special flag-lowering ceremony held each Tuesday evening during the summer by Civil War reenactment soldiers of the 114th Illinois Regiment. The flag is given to one of the visitors. Hours: March through October – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. No admission charge. Call (217) 782-2717 for more information.
State Capitol Located at 2nd and Capitol. The first legislative session was held in the new state capitol in 1877. View the statues of former governors, senators, and representatives, and view the magnificent stained glass in the dome of the rotunda. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed major holidays. No admission charge. Call (217) 782-2099 for more information.
Old State Capitol “…. A house divided against itself cannot stand.” These immortal words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln in the House of Representatives in this historic State Capitol in the days before the Civil War. This important building in Illinois’ history has been restored and decorated with period furniture in the House and Senate chambers, the Supreme Court, and offices of Illinois officials. Lincoln worked in this building from 1837 to 1838. Hours: March through October - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Suggested donation. Call (217) 785-7960 for more information.
Dana-Thomas House Located
at 4th and Lawrence. It was 1902 in Victorian
Springfield when local socialite and activist Susan Lawrence Dana
hired a rising young architect from Chicago to remodel her family
home. The result is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest
Prairie-style homes, complete with original furniture, art glass
doors, windows, and light fixtures. The rich history and
architectural significance of this meticulously restored residence
will be an unforgettable part of your tour of historic Springfield.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major
holidays. Suggested donation.
Governor’s Mansion Located at 4th and Jackson. The Executive Mansion is the home of the Governor of Illinois and was
home to
seven U.S. presidents. Three floors are open to the public.
Tours of the mansion include four formal parlors, the state dining
room, the ballroom, four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom,
and the library which has floor to ceiling beveled handcrafted
wooden panels made from native American Black Walnut. Hours:
Tuesdays and Thursdays– 9:30 a.m. to
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices Located at 6th and Adams. Abraham Lincoln practiced law in this office above Seth Tinsley’s Drygoods Store from 1843 to 1853. It was an ideal location for the young lawyer’s growing practice… near the State Capitol and Springfield’s finest hotel, and just above the post office and Federal courtroom. Stephen Logan was Lincoln’s partner from 1843 to 1844, and William Herndon was his partner from 1844 to 1865. The building has been restored to its 1840’s appearance, complete with period furniture. Hours: March through October – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November through February – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Call (217)785-7289 for more information.
Camp Butler National Cemetery Located on Camp Butler Road, I-72 East of Springfield. Camp Butler was once the site of a Union Civil War training camp and Confederate prison. It is now a national cemetery for veterans. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Call (217) 492-4070 for more information.
First Presbyterian Church Abraham Lincoln and his family were members of the First Presbyterian Church, located at 321 South Seventh Street. You may visit the church and quietly view the pew where Lincoln and his family worshipped. In addition, one of the beautiful Tiffany windows (western-most window on the south side of the sanctuary) is dedicated to the Bernard Stuve family. The window is believed to have been commissioned by the three Stuve sisters in memory of their parents and deceased brother and sister in 1907.
Visit the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information and maps of all the historic sites of Springfield. http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/
Springfield's Calendar of Events
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