Springfield

The Presidential Library contains an overwhelming treasury of carefully preserved Lincoln documents and artifacts, including more than 12 million items from the Illinois State Historical Library.

Whether learning more about the life and times of President Lincoln or following your own family's genealogical ties to Illinois, the Presidential Library is an amazing resource of information for families, historians and scholars.

Preserving the heritage of the Illinois National Guard, the museum is committed to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the military artifacts associated with the citizen-soldier of Illinois. The exhibit includes rare items such as the artificial leg of Mexican General Santa Anna, a target board shot at by President Lincoln, as well as vehicles, weapons, uniforms, equipment and photographs.

Lincoln The Leader Wayside Exhibit is at this location.

The Citizen-Soldier exhibit features the military experiences of famous Illinois soldiers such as Carl Sandburg, Robert McCormick, John A. Logan and Abraham Lincoln.

Your visit to Edwards Place will include a guided tour through the newly-restored first and second floor.  The home is interpreted to 1857 and furnished with wonderful examples of Victorian furniture, including many pieces that belonged to the Edwards family. You will also see the authentic "Lincoln Courting Couch" from the parlor of the Ninian Edwards home where Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd were married and a piano that was likely played at their wedding.

Standing as the oldest surviving home in Springfield, the house was home to Springfield's first merchant and a friend and supporter of Abraham Lincoln. Iles served with Lincoln in the Blackhawk War of 1832, and helped Lincoln secure the state capital's move from Vandalia to Springfield.

Be sure to check out the lower lever and see the "Farrell & Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History: Illinois Watch Company." The Illinois Watch Co. is one of the more interesting chapters from the city’s past. From 1870 - 1932, the company produced high-quality railroad watches in its sprawling factory at 9th St. and North Grand Ave. It was also a well-known maker of pocket and wristwatches.

Restored 1852 train depot, from which President-Elect Abraham Lincoln departed for Washington D.C. on February 11, 1861. Lincoln gave one of his most memorable speeches from the back of a train at this location.

When Lincoln left his hometown as president-elect, he paid an unforgettable tribute to his friends and neighbors known today as the Farewell Address. Lincoln gave these remarks as he boarded a special inaugural train at the Great Western Railroad Depot.  Located just two blocks from the Lincoln Home.

The Depot is also home to a wayside exhibit that helps interpret the important activities that happened at this location. View over 40 outdoor interpretive exhibits placed throughout the downtown area to experience Springfield as Abraham Lincoln knew it. Each exhibit is intended to capture a moment in time for Lincoln and how he was affected by the people, places and events he encountered in his hometown. Each story is accompanied by graphics or photographs and a medallion that is symbolic of that particular story. Visitors are encouraged to collect rubbings of each medallion.