Ave., Oak Ridge Cemetery, 217-782-2717, www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/lincoln_tomb.htm. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Free admission.
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site
To better understand the times in which Lincoln lived, be sure to visit New Salem, northwest of Springfield, near Petersburg. Here you will find the most educational experiences of all the Lincoln sites. Lincoln lived in this pioneer village 1831-1837.
New Salem is regarded as one of the main sources for the Lincoln legend. Despite the “rail-splitter” image used during the 1860 election, some historians say that Lincoln went to New Salem specifically to get away from the hard manual labor he grew up with. His general store was a failure, in part because of his business partner, William Berry, an alcoholic who apparently drank more whiskey than he sold at the store. Lincoln was unable to pay off the store’s debts until he moved to Springfield and became a lawyer. While in New Salem, Lincoln boarded at an inn kept by James Rutledge, whose daughter Ann was allegedly Lincoln’s sweetheart. Legend has it that when she died in 1835, at the age of 19, Lincoln nearly lost his mind with grief. Today historians are not convinced — some think that the story originated in a lecture given by William Herndon. At the time of her death, Ann Rutledge was engaged to one of Lincoln’s friends, John McNamar.
But historical accuracy is still New Salem’s lure. Though many of the structures were rebuilt over the original sites in the early 1930s, the town adheres to an impressive and painstaking attention to authentic detail. Interpreters in period dress explain how things got done way back when. The 635acre site also includes gift shops and an indoor museum and theater. During the summer months, Theater in the Park mounts outdoor stagings of plays and musicals. Special events are held throughout the year — check the calendar in the back of this guide for dates and times.
Maintained by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, New Salem is also home to a nicely equipped campground. You can easily spend at least a day here, if not a weekend, depending on when you’re visiting.
New Salem is about 20 miles northwest of Springfield on Route 97, called Jefferson Street in town (be careful to follow 97 when the road splits a few miles outside of the city), 217-632-4000, www.lincolnsnewsalem.com. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Free admission. Donations accepted.
The Great Western Railroad Depot
No single historical event in Springfield is more poignantly considered than Abraham Lincoln’s “Farewell Address,” which he delivered to thousands of friends and well-wishers from this site on Feb. 11, 1861. From here, he departed for Washington, D.C., to lead a nation that was splitting in two. Visitors to the depot can see a short video about the 12-day train trip to Lincoln’s first inauguration. Authorities were so fearful of a rumored assassination plot in Baltimore that they persuaded Lincoln to leave the train in Philadelphia. He completed the journey unannounced, riding into the nation’s capital in a heavily guarded sleeping car. Great Western Railroad Depot, Tenth and Monroe streets, 217-544-8695. Open 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, April through August. Free admission.
The Lincoln family church pew
Located inside the First Presbyterian Church is the family pew rented by Abraham and Mary Lincoln when they attended Sunday services at the church’s original location at Third at Washington Streets, site of the Amtrak station. Services for Mary Todd Lincoln’s funeral were held at the church where it stands today. Interestingly, the president never joined this, or any, church.
The Lincoln family pew may be viewed in the First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 217-528-4311. Group tours may be arranged by calling the office or by visiting www.lincolnschurch.org/Tours.htm. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Jun 4 through September. Free admission.
Lincoln ledger
Inside the lobby of the downtown Chase Bank you can look at original bank statements signed by Abraham Lincoln. They include expenditures for such mundane items as grocery bills and his monthly mortgage payments. This very personal glimpse of the Great Emancipator reveals an ordinary citizen who purchased the trappings of upper-middle-class life just like everybody else. What did he buy? Visit and see for yourself!
The Lincoln ledger is in the Chase Bank lobby, Sixth and Washington streets, 217- 527-3860. Open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-no on Saturday. Free admission.
