Springfield, Illinois Marks Lincoln Bicentennial
Sights at the State Capital include Lincoln's Home, Tomb and Musuem
Jan 10, 2009
Before moving to Washington, D.C., to serve as the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln practiced law, got married, had children and settled into a family home in the state capital of Illinois, Springfield. While the entire state – known as the "Land of Lincoln" – will celebrate the Lincoln Bicentennial in 2009, nowhere will the festivities and special events be more poignant than in Springfield.
The year 2009 is the time to travel to Central Illinois to trace Abe Lincoln's footsteps. Here are just a few don't-miss sights:
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Abraham Lincoln family lived at the two-story home in downtown Springfield for 17 years. It's the only house Lincoln ever owned, and the home is open to the public for free guided tours, given by National Park Service rangers. Get tickets for a particular tour time at the Visitor Center, which also has an orientation film and gift shop.
The Lincoln Home commemorates the Lincoln Bicentennial with a number of special programs over the weekend of February 11-15, 2009. These include a recreation of Lincoln's famous "Farewell to Springfield" speech; storytelling by costumed Lincolns; music from Lincoln's era; and "A Discussion with Lincoln, Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
This important sightseeing stop features the largest collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts in the world. Permanent exhibits in the museum include "Mrs. Lincoln's Attic," where children can try on clothes of the era; the Treasures Gallery, which features items like family photographs, his children's toys and place settings from Lincoln's everyday life; and "The White House Years," with a reproduction of Lincoln's office and ball gowns of Mary Todd Lincoln. On Lincoln's birthday, February 12, costumed actors dressed as "Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln" greet visitors.
Lincoln Tomb
The final resting places of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary and three of his sons are at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Their tombs are and marked with a majestic monument, and attracts thousands of visitors annually. February 12 brings an annual wreath-laying ceremony, while in the summer months, a nightly flag-lowering ceremony is held
Lincoln-Herndon Law Office
The original building where Lincoln practiced law still stands in downtown Springfield. In Lincoln's day, a post office and a Federal Courtroom were downstairs. Today, these rooms and lawyers' offices are recreated. Visitors watch an orientation film and receive a short guided tour through the exhibits.
Old State Capitol
Visitors can tour a totally reconstructed State Capitol building, which served as the center of state politics in the mid to late 19th century. This is where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous speech in the days leading up to the Civil War: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour or view rooms and exhibits on theirown.
Lincoln Depot
In February 1861, Lincoln boarded a Presidential train from this railroad depot in Springfield to begin his 12-day journey to the White House. He gave a heartfelt tribute to his friends in Springfield that is today known as his "Farewell Address." The old station has restored waiting rooms, as well as exhibits and photographs of the Lincoln era. Lincoln never returned to Springfield, until his body was brought home after his assassination.
For more information, visit:
Also see Indiana Marks Lincoln Bicentennial.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
