Decatur Magazine: Arts and Entertainment: Shadows of Lincoln Festival in Decatur, Illinois

Click here to download the PDF of this flyer.	arts & entertainment: history SHADOWS OF LINCOLN FESTIVAL June 6, 2009 Downtown Decatur Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln during the inaugural Shadows of Lincoln Festival in downtown Decatur on Saturday, June 6, 2009. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Festival Events

GUIDED WALKING TOURS Originate at Decatur's landmark Transfer House in Central Park. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. "At twenty-one, I came to Illinois." These famous words signify the arrival of our nation's 16th president in Decatur in March 1830. Through the next three decades, the fledgling attorney — and the young city — would continue to intersect, with Decatur ultimately playing a pivotal role in Abraham Lincoln's political destiny. The free walking tour will guide you to three significant sites in downtown Decatur where Lincoln characters and interpreters will tell you the story of Lincoln's rise to political prominence: First Stop: Lincoln the Orator A short walk east on Prairie Avenue then south along Merchant Street will bring you to the corner of Main & Merchant, the site of Lincoln's first "Stump Speech" during the summer of 1830. You'll hear Lincoln recite the importance of Sangamon River navigation, and learn how this speech caught the attention of Illinois dignitaries. Second Stop: Lincoln the Lawyer Just across the street at the corner of Main and Main Streets, a bronze monument and miniature replica marks the site of the log cabin courthouse where Lincoln served as a lawyer on the 8th Judicial Circuit. Lincoln will plead his case in documented proceedings, and you'll learn the significance of his time spent as a "Circuit Rider." Last Stop: The Rail Splitter Candidate for President By tracing Lincoln's footsteps east on Main Street then north on Water Street, you'll arrive on the south side of Central Park where a plaque and silhouettes mark 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." You'll learn about the surprising events leading to the nomination, and hear Lincoln recite his acceptance speech. ARTISAN DEMONSTRATIONS 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. On the northeast corner of Central Park, you'll see talented artisans displaying their craft as blacksmiths, basket makers, wood carvers, and loom weavers to create original designs typical of the 1800's. Discover the tools of their trade during demonstrations with finished products available for sale. CENTRAL PARK ENTERTAINMENT 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Whether it's the soothing sound of the dulcimer, the mesmerizing tale of the storyteller, or a lively jig, you'll be entertained all day by performers on the Central Park Stage. You're also invited to participate in a friendly game of Cricket on the Central Park lawn. PRAIRIE-STYLE HOME COOKING 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be stationed throughout Central Park to satisfy your appetite for prairie-style home cooking. Picnic tables are the perfect spot for your meal in the park and to enjoy the entertainment. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES and FREE TROLLEYS 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Catch the horse-drawn carriages in Central Park for a tour of downtown Decatur for only a penny, or ride the trolley west on Main Street to the Oglesby Mansion to meet the "Governor" himself. OGLESBY MANSION 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 412 West William Street Take the trolley west on Main Street to the mansion. This historic Decatur landmark is the beautifully restored Victorian home of three time Illinois Governor Richard Oglesby, a close friend of Lincoln who nominated him for President as the "Rail Splitter Candidate of 1860." The "governor" will be in residence for tours of his home. For more information about the Shadows of Lincoln Festival call City Centre Decatur at 217-423-3475. 2009 Shadows of Lincoln Festival Presented by Decatur Magazine In partnership with the City of Decatur, City Centre Decatur, Macon County Conservation District, Macon County Historical Society, Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and GossGrfx.


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:
	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
The Abraham Lincoln Sites in Decatur, Illinois article 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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