guide. The family sold most of its furniture after Lincoln was elected president. The house was leased and eventually donated to the state by eldest son Robert. The curators have acquired about 50 of the original furnishings, including Lincoln’s desk.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Visitor Center, 426 S. Seventh St. (residence, 413 S. Eighth St.), 217-492- 4241, www.nps.gov/liho. Open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except Jan. 1, Thanksgiving, and Dec. 25. Admission is free.
Old State Capitol
Across the street from Lincoln’s law office is the Old State Capitol. It’s located off the Adams pedestrian mall, between Fifth and Sixth streets. Before the current state Capitol opened in 1877, this was the seat of Illinois state government. Behind its massive oak doors, Lincoln tried hundreds of cases and spent countless hours bent over books in the state library. More to the point, he delivered his famed “House Divided” speech here. After Lincoln was assassinated, his casket was brought to the Old State Capitol, and 75,000 mourners filed past it to pay their last respects.
As a state representative, Lincoln had a hand in moving the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield. In 1834, a popular vote was held on six sites for the capital. When the vote came in, Alton was first, Vandalia second, and Springfield third, at which point the state legislature decided to repeal the referendum and vote on where the capital should be. By the time the ballots were cast, Springfield had the most votes, and soon it had a clear majority.
The Old State Capitol, and the plaza around it, is the scene of the Old Capitol Art Fair, May 16 and 17, 2009. Old State Capitol, 1 Old Capitol Plaza, 217-785-9363, www.oldstatecapitol.org. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The last tour begins 45 minutes before closing. Free admission. Donations accepted.
Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices
On the south side of the Old State Capitol Plaza, at Sixth and Adams, is the only remaining building in which Lincoln practiced law. On the third floor, Lincoln and his future biographer,
