Travel Illinois: Free Abraham Lincoln Sites in Springfield

Abraham Lincoln enthusiasts can enjoy the must-see historical sites regarding Springfield's most famous resident for free. Most of them are within a few blocks of each other in the center of downtown.

Lincoln Tomb,Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1500 Monument Avenue

Begin your tour at the north side of Springfield and visit the tomb of Abraham Lincoln, a resting place that was not finalized until 1901 after initial controversy over where to bury the president, an attempted grave-robbing in 1876, and several secret reburials. The tomb is also the final resting place of Lincoln's wife Mary, and three of his four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas. Open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and until 5 p.m. March - Oct.

http://www.illinois-history.gov/hs/lincoln_tomb.htm

Driving south on 2^nd Street from Lincoln's Tomb, it's only a few minutes to the Capitol Plaza in downtown Springfield, from which you can walk to the remainder of the Lincoln sites.

Old State Capitol,1 Old State Capitol Plaza

The seat of Illinois state government until 1877, when the current Capitol building opened, the Old State Capitol is where Lincoln tried hundreds of cases, delivered his famous "House Divided" speech, and, after his assassination, lay in a casket as thousands of mourners came to pay their last respects. Open daily, April 15 - Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tues. - Sat, the rest of the year. Last tour begins 45 min. before closing.

http://www.oldstatecapitol.org/

Lincoln Ledger, Chase Bank, 1 E. Old State Capitol Plaza

As you walk around the Capitol Plaza, enter the lobby of the Chase Bank to see a display of original bank statements signed by Abraham Lincoln. Written in his own hand, they provide a glimpse into the everyday life of this legendary historical figure. Open M - F, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, 1 S. Old State Capitol Plaza

In this building, on the third floor, Lincoln practiced law with his partner William Herndon. After Lincoln's death, Herndon published a biography of Lincoln, a look at the more intimate details of Lincoln's life, including Herndon's opinions that Lincoln's children were indulged and troublesome. Visitors can view rooms where Lincoln prepared his cases. Open daily, April 15 - Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tues. - Sat, the rest of the year.

http://www.oldstatecapitol.org/

Lincoln Family Church Pew,First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7^th Street

From the Old State Capitol Plaza, walk one block east on Adams St. and two blocks south on 7^th St to the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of 7^th and E. Capitol Ave. Though Lincoln never officially joined this, or any other church, visitors can view the Lincoln family pew rented by Abraham and Mary Lincoln when they attended services at the church's original location on Third and Washington Streets. Mary's funeral was held at the church where it stands today. Open M - F, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., June - Sept.

http://www.lincolnschurch.org/Lincoln_Family.htm

Lincoln HomeNational Historic Site, Visitor Center, 426 S. 7^th Street, access to Lincoln Home National Historic Site is restricted to pedestrian access only.

Just a few steps down from the First Presbyterian Church is the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, where you can obtain your free ticket for a guided tour to Lincoln's Home, restored to appearance as it was in 1860. Lincoln purchased this home for $1500 and moved in with his family in 1844, leaving when he moved to Washington D.C. to assume the presidency in 1861. Open daily, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., by tour only.

http://www.nps.gov/liho

Additional Information:

A small donation of $1-$2 is suggested at Lincoln's Home, Old State Capitol and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, but not required.

Downtown Springfield parking meters are free on Saturday and Sunday.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial (1809 - 2009) is being celebrated throughout 2009 with many extra events planned at these sites. Call ahead or visit the websites to see what's coming up.

Call ahead or check websites for schedule changes. Most sites are open daily, excluding holidays, but most close by 5 p.m. Some sites are changing schedules for the Lincoln Bicentennial in 2009.

Sources:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum http://www.alplm.org/home.html

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.visit-springfieldillinois.com/