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Lincoln probably spent more time in Bloomington than any other city in Central Illinois outside of Springfield. He had many close political and legal associates from this area, including David Davis whose influence on his legal career and run for the presidency were crucial to Lincoln’s success. Your tour of the David Davis Mansion will reveal just how this happened as well as what life was like for a wealthy Victorian family. The The McLean County Museum of History rounds out the Lincoln story by introducing the city and the people that Lincoln would have known. Maps for walking tours featuring historical markers and notable architecture are available at the museum.
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David Davis Mansion State Historic Site This beautiful 19th Century Mansion was once owned by Judge David Davis and his wife Sarah. Davis was a close personal and professional friend to Abraham Lincoln and was responsible, in part for Lincoln’s success in obtaining the Republican nomination. This spectacular Victorian mansion has been beautifully restored to its former splendor. The interpretation of the home, includes Lincoln history and a window into the social and political life of the years when Lincoln was in central Illinois.
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McLean County History Museum Housed in a magnificent old courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum tells stories of the people of McLean County including many who would have known Lincoln. A permanent exhibit, “Encounter on the Prairie,” exemplifies the theme of the museum through four galleries: People, work, politics and farming. In addition, the museum also features changing exhibits that explore subjects like the Central Illinois and the Civil War plus periodic national traveling exhibits.
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The Evergreen Memorial Cemetery founded in the early 1820's, is a historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Bloomington, IL. The 87 acre cemetery begins with a simple entrance, winding avenues, towering trees and an elaborate mausoleum. It is a wonderful example of preservation, culture and tradition in Central Illinois.
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The Constitution Trail is a 24+ mile hard surfaced trail running through the Twin Cities that has been developed for walking, hiking, jogging, biking and cross country skiing, providing the community with another leisure use facility for the entire family. Trash receptacles, picnic tables, shelters, port-a-pots, and benches are available at various locations along the trail. |
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Trail Pamphlets available at the Parks and Recreation offices, Normal City Hall, Normal Public Library and Children's Discovery Museum. |
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Located in Livingston County, Illinois, Pontiac was settled in 1838 after being chosen in 1837 for settlement and named after the Ottawa Chief Pontiac. |
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The Jones House was built from 1857-1858 by John Dehner, a prominent Pontiac citizen who had a stake in the Chicago and Paducah Railroad and represents the type of building (perhaps specifically) that Lincoln would have encountered in the area. Dehner purchased the property from Simon Dewitt in 1857 and when the house was finished in 1858 its value was assessed at $366. Constructed in 1857-58, just one other brick home was completed in Pontiac prior to the completion of the Jones House. Later it served as the residence of another prominent early Pontiac citizen, Henry C. Jones, for who it is named,—a newspaper publisher and the founder and president of the Pontiac Light, Heat and Power Company.
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This three-story wood-framed structure was built for Z.F. Yost, a Pontiac attorney. Begun in 1898, the Queen Ann-style house rests on the bank of the Vermilion River, providing a clear view of the river below and behind the house. Visitors enjoy the same scenery today, filtered through the many trees and shrubs which offer a haven for visiting songbirds and waterfowl. It is significant that the Twenty-First Century has made little impact on the structure, inside or out. Here, nearly all the Yost family possessions remain, some which date back to the 1850's reminding visitors of the rich and varied cultural interests of its inhabitants and visitors, including local attorneys such as Abraham Lincoln. The house is owned by the City of Pontiac, funded by the J. Paul Yost Trust and managed by the Livingston County Historical Society. Open by appointment.
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Lincoln, on January 27, 1860, accepted an invitation to speak to the Pontiac Young Men's Literary Society and though he was in Bloomington for a trial, he took an afternoon train to Pontiac. His speech was a moderate success, and after the presentation, Lincoln went to the home of his friend Jason Strevell to spend the night. The local story says that Strevell and Lincoln stayed up late, talking about politics, slavery, and other national and local issues of the day. As the conversation turned to less important topics, Strevell, who was six foot tall, said he did not believe that Lincoln was really 4 inches taller that himself. Lincoln offered to let himself be measured and stood in a doorway in his stocking feet while Strevell made a scratch in the door frame to mark Lincoln's height. Strevell then measured, from floor to the mark on the door frame, and found Lincoln to be exactly, 6 foot, 4 inches tall.
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Lincoln probably spent more time in Bloomington than any other city in Central Illinois outside of Springfield. He had many close political and legal associates from this area, including David Davis whose influence on his legal career and run for the presidency were crucial to Lincoln’s success. Your tour of the David Davis Mansion will reveal just how this happened as well as what life was like for a wealthy Victorian family. The The McLean County Museum of History rounds out the Lincoln story by introducing the city and the people that Lincoln would have known. Maps for walking tours featuring historical markers and notable architecture are available at the museum.
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In this CD, President Lincoln reminisces about the places he visited and their meaning to him in Bloomington and Normal. The tour includes sites in the historic downtown where Lincoln practiced law, the building where Jesse Fell suggested that Lincoln make a run for the presidency, and other sites. The accompanying booklet includes photographs, tour directions, maps, and commentary. Special tour markers are placed at the designed stops on the tour. |
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Mason County and its seat, Havana, have a longstanding history due to locations right along the Illinois River. In the 1600s, French explorers Joliet and Marquette set up camp near present-day Havana during their early explorations. The area's past is highly connected to Native American Indian communities; Havana is the home of the Rockwell Mounds, the second largest Native American burial grounds dating back to about 200 A.D. Rockwell Mounds cover about two acres and stand 14 feet high. |
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Constructed in 1902, this is the oldest continuously-used Carnegie library in the State of Illinois. Home to a wonderful assortment of old tomes and original printings, it is also home to the Mason County Historical Society. The Havana Public Library District collects genealogical and historical materials that relate to Havana and Mason County. Materials include photographs & images, maps, telephone directories, yearbooks, newspapers, advertisements, and books such as county histories, town histories, and plat books. A genealogical reference collection that also includes the collection of the Mason County Genealogical & Historical Society is housed in this wonderful facility.
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Beardstown sits on the Illinois River and was first settled in 1819 which makes it one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Lincoln argued many cases in the Beardstown Courthouse, including his best known-“The Almanac Trial”. Lincoln was also installed here as a Captain of the Sangamon County Company during the Black Hawk War. During the senate race of 1858 he spoke to the people of Beardstown on the city square. Stephen A. Douglas had spoken prior to Lincoln’s speech.
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Certainly an oddity that crops up seemingly from nowhere; this still functioning water tower is older than most homes in the state of Illinois. A testament to the ingenuity of early Illinois, this tower was constructed as the original pumping station in August of 1889. With a capacity of 50,000 gallons this tower has been a continuous part of the city's water system since its construction. In 1993, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations and numerous unique communities throughout the Illinois River Valley. The Byway showcases great places where you can discover and experience the nature of the region. Whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing, exploring wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife, your possibilities for adventure are endless. The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway will guide you through the Illinois River Valley to some of Illinois' most treasured, natural gems. |
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Named for the capitol of the Isle of Cuba, Havana is the county seat of Mason County. Located on the banks of the Illinois River, Havana is primarily a rural, agricultural community. In fact, sixty-five percent of the United States' pumpkins are grown in the region making Havana a hot spot for tourists in the fall. Nature-oriented tourists can take the Spoon River Drive in fall for a display of colors unlike anything in the west or go hiking at Riverfront Park or explore the 4,500 acres of nearby Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge. |
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Tall Timbers Marina is located behind Bellrose Island in a quiet backwater of the Illinois River. Their marina features 40 seasonal slips for boats up to 40 ft in length and The Blue Heron, a floating ships store. For those traveling the river, we offer overnight transient docking for boats up to 50 ft in length. Guest amenities include clean, private restrooms/showers, and on Sundays, we treat all of our guests to early morning coffee and rolls. When Lincoln started out in Illinois, he discovered the networks and arteries of the rivers that gave life to Illinois. Come and see the waterways that made Illinois great!
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Emiquon, an hour south of Peoria on the Illinois River, is one of the largest floodplain restoration projects in the country outside the Florida Everglades. It is the premiere demonstration site for The Nature Conservancy’s work on the Illinois River and within the Upper Mississippi River system and may ultimately help guide large floodplain river restoration efforts around the world. Emiquon once was the jewel of the Illinois River, nurturing diverse and abundant communities of native plants and animals in the complex system of backwater wetlands and lakes. Hundreds of nearby archeological sites, including Native American villages and ceremonial and burial mounds are a quiet testimony to the abundant natural resources that supported more than 500 generations of civilization in this area.
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Located nearby in Lewiston this branch of the Illinois State Museum and a National Historic Site is one of the major on-site archaeological museums in the United States. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of the American Indian in an awe inspiring journey through 12,000 years of human experience in the Illinois River Valley. Visitors to the museum, in west-central Illinois, encounter innovative interpretive exhibits; exciting hands-on activities; archaeological sites; and a variety of special events in a rural setting. The landscape is thrilling and this is the land that Lincoln knew and saw during his travels on the Circuit.
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On January 1680, Sieur de La Salle (Robert de LaSalle) and 33 fellow explorers landed their canoes on the eastern bank of the Illinois River. They built a winter refuge in what is now the southeast quarter of section of Pekin Township. Jonathan Tharp was the first non-Indian resident, building a log cabin in 1824. For some time after the arrival of white settlers, there continued to be a quite large Indian village, populated primarily by Potawatomi, along the ridge of what is today Pekin Lake. |
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The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations and numerous unique communities throughout the Illinois River Valley.
The Byway showcases great places where you can discover and experience the nature of the region. Whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, biking or canoeing, exploring wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife, your possibilities for adventure are endless.
The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway will guide you through the Illinois River Valley to some of Illinois' most treasured, natural gems. |
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If you are looking to explore a bit of the rich history of Tazewell County, Illinois and find out about Lincoln’s story here all at the same time, you have come to the right place. The Society Library is located in the Ehrlicher Research Center. The library is usually staffed with two trained volunteer genealogists. They have, in its collections: family histories, research aids, church directories, other society's publications, and copies of Bible records, diaries, letters, photos, etc. The library currently contains over 4000 volumes and is constantly growing.
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When the county seat was moved from Tremont in 1850, a courthouse was erected on this site, where Lincoln practiced law while on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. It was torn down in 1915, to make room for a more modern structure, the one you see today. There are markers around the building relating this and other stories about the site
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If you would like to drive past a home that was not only visited by Lincoln during his time on the Circuit, but was also believed to have been part of the Underground Railroad used to hide slaves on their way north to Canada, this house is a definite necessity. A trap door still remains under the carpet in one bedroom, where it was believed that salves would hide during their dangerous journey to freedom. The architecture is described in a book written by Rexford Newcomb, Architecture of the Old Northwest Territory, published in 1950: "It is a solid two-story brick edifice with pedimented ends and plastered walls. A small Doric porch covers the entrance, which is on the long side of the building. There is a fine staircase of black walnut within the ample hallway; and in the rooms on either side are fireplaces of simple Greek lines." The house is currently a private residence and is not open for tours.
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The heart of Metamora is its beautiful square in front of the courthouse, still used today for local celebrations as it was when Lincoln, the circuit riding lawyer, passed through town. Weekends are full of events on the square like bank concerts, dances and Civil War re-enactments.
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The Metamora Courthouse was built in 1845 and served as the center of county government until the county seat was moved to Eureka in 1896. It is one of two surviving courthouses on the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit traveled by Abraham Lincoln. In 1978 the Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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The Stevenson House is an austere two-story Federal style structure built before the Civil War. It is located a block south of the southwest corner of the Village Square and faces north on a corner lot. The home is approximately 35 feet wide and 30 feet deep and is set back from both front and side streets.
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The Lee Cabin, built in 1836 and one of the oldest structures in Woodford County, now occupies a spot in the Metamora Park District’s Black Partridge Park. The cabin is open for tours and is often the site for educational experiences which introduce children to “yesteryear.”
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Beginning in the 1830s Mennonites and Amish Mennonites from eastern states, and directly from central Europe were among the pioneers looking for a homeland in Illinois. They first settled in timbers in central and northern Illinois, then were among the first to the prairies. For over a century their rural congregations retained a strong work ethic and faith community apart from the world and public life. Here you can research the story of Anabaptist origins; find a family lineage in their library; visit the museum exhibits and the restored Sutter Barn; enjoy the Resser Prairie Arboretum and tidy Schertz Grandfather Haus; or just share a visit with friends and family.
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In Clinton, visitors can explore a rich Lincoln heritage that has remained untouched for years. Discover the important role that Lincoln played in Clinton’s early development for nearly 20 years, beginning with the 8th Judicial Circuit in 1839, two years after Lincoln began the practice of law, until his election as President.
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Visit their historic Abraham Lincoln sculpture by A. L. Van Den Bergen that stands in Mr. Lincoln's Square, downtown Clinton, IL, on the site where Lincoln allegedly made the famous quote, "You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." These words are inscribed on the front of the pedestal. Another quote, inscribed on the rear of the pedestal, reads "That it may not be forgotten that here for nineteen years as a lawyer and friend, he was counselor and teacher of our forefathers, this statue is erected by the citizens of DeWitt County to the memory of Abraham Lincoln." The statue was dedicated on November 11, 1931.
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Visitors to this site can discover a fully restored building and grounds that depict the elegant Victorian Era and are encouraged to feel free to browse this website and find out more about how a trip to Clinton, Illinois will make lasting memories as they will find points of interest to all age groups. |
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Clinton's first library was housed in Rundle Hall, over Rundle's Meat Market, in 1901. Today, the new Vespasian Warner Public Library District, established in 1989, encompasses the townships of Barnett, Harp, Texas, Creek, Clintonia and DeWitt. An addition to the building was completed in 1992. After almost a century of service, the library continues to expand its facilities to meet the growing needs of the community. Its current collection includes 52,000+ books, 2,000 videos, 230 newspaper and magazine subscriptions, CDs and more. Several meeting rooms are available to local groups; the library also offers year 'round children's and adult's programs; Internet access and many other services.
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In 1846, C. H. Moore had a strong desire to invest in farmland and purchased his first 120-acre farm. By 1851, he was considered a very large landholder, owning farmland in five states. As the resident lawyer of DeWitt County, Illinois, C. H. Moore was well respected and had numerous friends, including Abraham Lincoln. C. H. Moore and Vespasian Warner formed a law partnership named Moore & Warner. Together, they practiced law and managed farmland out of the very office building in which Moore & Warner Farm Management is located today. In 1901, C. H. Moore passed away, and the C. H. Moore Trust Estate was established. Vespasian Warner was the first Trustee of this vast estate comprised of more than 35,000 acres of farmland.
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Located just up the road from the C.H. Moore Homestead, this local cemetery holds several treasures. One, the wrought-iron fence at the entry way holds one of the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail Waysides that talks about Clinton’s contribution to the Civil War. Two, there is a nicely redone section of the cemetery that contains the soldiers of the Civil War, including a large monument. Three, there is a locally placed wayside that has the outline and information for all of the buried soldiers.
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Lying just southeast of Clinton in DeWitt County, Weldon Springs State Park is a 550-acre park for all seasons. Weldon Springs' recreational agenda is among the most comprehensive in the state park system, offering recreational opportunities year-round. During the milder seasons, you are invited to fish, boat, picnic, camp, hike, and view wildlife. Or, you might want to pitch horseshoes at the park's tournament-quality horseshoe pits. When the snow flies, hardier outdoors persons not only continue many of the warmer weather pursuits, but add sledding and tobogganing on a one-eighth mile hill, ice fishing and cross-country skiing to the itinerary of their visit. Experience DeWitt County as Lincoln knew it. |
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Political speakers engaged in debates discussing a variety of issues from which party had caused the Panic of 1893 to whether the country should hold on to the Phillippines. Those who attended heard the southern viewpoint on the Civil War and Reconstruction and the story of Count Alexander Lochwitzky's imprisonment and exile by the Russian czar. Former President Taft, House Speaker Champ Clark, Vice Presidents James S. Sherman and Adlai Stevenson I, senators, governors, and judges all made appearances. Most popular were William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Sam Jones. Reverend Billy Sunday was also a regular guest. Female speakers included Helen Keller and Carrie Nation, both making return visits.
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Built in 1865, Union School served the rural residents of Logan County, Illinois for more than 80 years. The historic building was moved to the prairie at Weldon Springs, restored, furnished, and equipped for use as both a visitor center and a temporary classroom for area school groups that wish to relocate for a day. A year-round interpreter is available for talks, programs and activities to enhance the visitor experience. More than a museum, Union School is a "hands-on" learning center with a "please touch" philosophy. Both science and local history are emphasized.
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This lake is a part of the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which encompasses 9,300 acres. Clinton Lake is located in the central part of the state. It was built in the 1970s as a cooling source for Clinton Nuclear Generating Station. The lake opened in 1978 and boasts being one of the best lakes for catfish, and other game fish. Boating power is unrestricted on the main body of the lake, and the upper arm of the lake is reserved as a no-wake area and some limited areas are reserved for electric trolling motors. There are six boat launches on the lake, as well as one canoe launch. There is also a 1,000 ft long white sand beach on the lake. Other activities at Clinton Lake include camping, boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, hunting, and winter sports. |
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The sport fish community of Clinton Lake is composed of fishes common to central Illinois reservoirs: largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, black crappie, channel catfish, bullheads, flathead catfish, walleye, striped bass and hybrid striped bass. The Marina is located on the south shoreline of the Salt Creek area of Clinton Lake, between the towns of Lane and Weldon, and is accessible from Illinois Route 10 or DeWitt County Highway 14.
Clinton Lake Part 1 |
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Abraham Lincoln couldn’t be any more connected to a city than Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln, known as the “namesake city” is the only town to be named for Lincoln before he became President. In fact, he christened Lincoln with the juice of a watermelon. His connection with all of Logan County is a rich one. He argued cases while riding the eighth judicial circuit at the Postville Court House, a building which is open to the public.
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On July 5, 1836, a man named Barton Robinson entered 480 acres of land in what is now Mt. Pulaski Township with he and others who had settled the area several years before. The residents named the new town "Pulaski," in honor of the Revolutionary War hero of the same name was killed in battle in service to George Washington on October 11, 1779.
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For several years, the wagon had been located in the Divernon/Pawnee area, but recent developments prompted Mr. Bentley to contact the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau about the wagon's purchase. Inspired by idea of having this wonderful tribute to Abe Lincoln located in the namesake community, Executive Director Geoff Ladd set out to make it happen. Mr. Bentley wanted the wagon to be located in a community that was rich in both Abe Lincoln and Route 66 heritage, and Lincoln, Illinois is one of those towns. The Tourism Bureau's website and marketing design is centered around those two features of the county's history.
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Postville Courthouse is a reproduction of Logan County’s first seat of government. Constructed in 1840, the original building until 1848 was one of the courts in which Abraham Lincoln argued cases while traveling the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit. Long after being converted to residential use, the original courthouse was purchased by Henry Ford and in 1929 moved to his Dearborn, Michigan, Greenfield Village museum. This replica was constructed in 1953 on the original site as part of the city of Lincoln’s centennial celebration.
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This Museum contains a remarkable collection of Lincoln related artifacts and documents including gifts of the Beckwith family. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the last living descendant of Lincoln donated a number of articles belonging to Mary Lincoln – china, books and mourning clothing.
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This self-guided walking tour begins at the town christening site, located at 101 N. Chicago Street, at the corner of Broadway and Chicago Streets
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Mount Pulaski Courthouse was built in 1848 and served as the Logan County seat of government until 1855. Attorney Abraham Lincoln regularly argued cases in the second-floor courtroom, helping to establish his reputation as both an accomplished practitioner of the law and a gifted speaker. After the county seat was moved to Lincoln in 1855, the former courthouse was used as a city hall, school, and post office. In 1935 the state purchased the building and began efforts to “restore” it to an 1850s appearance.
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