Decatur Magazine: Arts and Entertainent: Abraham Lincoln Sites in Decatur, Illinois

	arts & entertainment: history

SHADOWS OF LINCOLN FESTIVAL
June 7, 2008 - Downtown Decatur
Get all of the details here.

The nation’s 16th president first laid eyes on Decatur in March 1830, at age 21. Through the next three decades, the fledgling attorney- and the young city - would continue to intersect, with Decatur ultimately playing a pivotal role in Lincoln's political destiny. Today, you can trek “Honest Abe’s” path at ten significant sites throughout the community:

Main & Merchant, downtown Decatur.

Southwest corner of Main and Main Streets.

1. North Fork Road, Macon County Historical Museum. Host to a log cabin courthouse, and Lincoln library. Macon County Museum Complex 5580 N. Fork Road. When you enter the Lincoln Log Courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried three cases, imagine the 6’2“ lawyer ducking to avoid a bump on the head. This site, and more, authentically replicate local life in the 1830s. Complex opens April 2; for hours, phone 422-4919.

2. Sand Creek Recreational Area. A sign marks the section of the Paris-Springfield road traveled by the Lincoln family.

3. Main & Merchant, downtown Decatur. Statue of Lincoln commemorates the site of his famous “Stump Speech” that propelled him to political prominence.

4. Southwest corner of Main and Main Streets. A bronze monument marks the site of an old log cabin courthouse where Lincoln argued three cases. A replica of the courthouse stands on the site of the Macon County Museum Complex on North Fork Road.

5. Main Street Bank & Trust parking lot, 130 N. Water Street, south side of Central Park. A plaque marks the site of “The Wigwam” where Lincoln was nominated for President by three-time Illinois Governor and close friend Richard Oglesby during the 1860 Illinois Republican Convention. Also introduced here was Oglesby’s famed slogan, “Abe Lincoln, The Rail Splitter Candidate for President of 1860.”

6. Entrance to James Millikin Homestead, West Main Street. A bronze circuit marker recalls Lincoln’s route through Decatur on the Eighth Judicial Circuit.

7. Oglesby Mansion, Illinois 421 W. William St. Visit the historic Decatur landmark and beautifully restored Victorian home of Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, a close friend of Lincoln. Call for hours- 429-9422.

8. West Main Street, Front lawn of Shilling Hall, Millikin University. Lincoln statue celebrating “The Rail Splitter.”

9. Birks Museum, Gorin Hall, Millikin University. On display are an 1851 Lincoln letter; bronze casts of Lincoln’s hands; and a replica of Lincoln’s death mask.

10. Route 36 West & Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Trail and Homestead Park. Site of the Lincoln family log cabin on the Sangamon River bluffs - the family’s first home in Illinois.

	Historic Decatur Audio Tour Navigate your way through Decatur's historic neighborhoods via an audio tour courtesy of the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Historical & Architectural Sites Commission. Estimated drive time is one hour with public restrooms and restaurants included on the route. Cassettes and CD's are available at the DACVB, 202 E. North St., Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau For more information on Decatur attractions, contact the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 217-423-7000 or visit their website at www.decaturcvb.com.
1. North Fork Road, Macon County Historical Museum 2. Sand Creek Recreational Area 3. Main & Merchant, downtown Decatur 4. Southwest corner of Main and Main Streets 5. Main Street Bank & Trust parking lot, 130 N. Water Street, south side of Central Park 6. Entrance to James Millikin Homestead, West Main Street 7. Oglesby Mansion, 421 W. William St 8. West Main Street, Front lawn of Shilling Hall, Millikin University 9. Birks Museum, Gorin Hall, Millikin University 10. Route 36 West & Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Trail and Homestead Park
Click here to read "Lincoln Slept Here" and find out more about Abraham Lincoln Sites in Decatur. from the October / November 2003 issue of Decatur Magazine
This information originally appeared in the June/July 2005 issue of Decatur Magazine. It may not be reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without the publisher's consent. © Copyright 2005 Decatur Magazine - First String Productions. All rights reserved.

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