Bloomington-Normal

The beautifully restored, nineteenth-century estate tells the story of Judge David Davis, whose influence on Abraham Lincoln's legal and political career was crucial to President Lincoln's success. Lincoln often visited his friend, fellow lawyer and political advisor here at his home.

Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois.  Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story.  Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with.  There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.    

Lincoln frequented the law offices of David Davis and the bank owned by Asahel Gridley.

Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois.  Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story.  Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with.  There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.    

Today, the old Illinois Central tracks through Bloomington-Normal serve as the centerpiece for a thirteen-plus mile hiking and biking network known as the Constitution Trail. On May 3, 1853, the Galena-Cairo branch of the Illinois Central Railroad reached Bloomington. For Lincoln,  the rapidly expanding network of rail lines throughout central Illinois and beyond played a prominent role in his burgeoning legal practice and political career. Lincoln was hardly the backwoods barrister of popular myth. In fact, he was successful and well-paid attorney whose clients included the Illinois Central Railroad, a corporate.behemoth of its day.

Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois.  Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story.  Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with.  There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.     

Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois.  Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story.  Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with.  There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.    

Fell's home was often the gathering place for Lincoln's friends and political allies as they planned election strategies.

Looking for Lincoln wayside exhibits tell the stories of Lincoln’s life and times in Illinois.  Each wayside exhibit tells a unique Lincoln story and a local story.  Many of the waysides share little known stories about Lincoln and the individuals he interacted with.  There are over 260 Looking for Lincoln waysides in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.