Being born and raised in Illinois, the “Land of Lincoln,” I have always has a special admiration and fascination with this president. If you share my interest in Abraham Lincoln, a trip to Springfield, Ill., is a wonderful historical experience. Springfield could rightfully be called the “epicenter” for historical Lincoln sites. As a quote from Abraham Lincoln from 1863 states: “Springfield is my home, and there, more than elsewhere, are my lifelong friends.”
Springfield is home of the beautifully restored Greek Revival style house that was home to Lincoln and his wife, Mary, for 17 years. Three of their four children were born in this home, and one son even died there.The home was purchased by the Lincolns in 1844, and has since been restored to it’s 1860 appearance. While living in the home, the Lincolns enlarged it to accommodate their growing family, and it eventually became a two story home. I have been in this home several times, and each time I am in awe to actually be standing in the home where such an important and famous man lived. There is a real “feel” to this house, and the decor is period accurate, and the antique period furnishings, simply beautiful. A real must see during a visit to Springfield.
The Great Western Railroad Station, also now known as the Lincoln Depot, is two blocks from the Lincoln home. This is now a restored Lincoln site, and the location where Lincoln gave his Farewell Address on Feb. 11, 1861, before boarding a special inaugural train and leaving Springfield for the White House.
You may also visit the First Presbyterian Church to see the Lincoln Family Pew, where the family sat to attend church services. Lincoln’s old law offices and the Old Capitol Building are also other great stops to visit.
Last but not least, a visit to the Lincoln Tomb is in order. It’s in Oak Ridge Cemetery, just outside of where Lincoln spent most of his adulthood. You will find towering oak trees on your way to the 117-foot-tall granite monument. This site attracts tourists from all over the world. Designed by a sculptor named Larkin G. Mead, the tomb features famous statuary of Lincoln’s life, and a circular hall that leads to the marble burial chamber. The tomb bears the famous statement of Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton’s “Now he belongs to the ages.” The Lincoln tomb contains the bodies of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary and three of their four sons. My visits to the tomb have really moved me emotionally.
The whole “Lincoln experience” is very educational.It feels like you are taking a trip back in history, to another time and era, truly seeing Springfield as Lincoln did so many years ago.. Visit this website for more information and for links to the attractions noted in this article:http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/sites/springfd.htm . I always leave Springfield with a sense of awe and wonder, truly fascinated with every visit. Springfield, Illinois is definitely a worthwhile place to visit.