Lincoln Home NHS - Abraham Lincoln on Waymarking.com

Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves the Springfield, Illinois home Abraham Lincoln lived in from 1844 to 1861, before becoming the 16th President of the United States. The presidential memorial includes a four-block historic district surrounding the home and a visitor center.


The house, purchased by Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln in 1844, was the first and only home that Lincoln ever owned. Located at the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets, the house contains twelve rooms spread over two floors. During the time he lived here, Lincoln was elected to the House of Representatives, in 1846, and elected as President, 1860.

The home and Lincoln Tomb (also in Springfield) were designated National Historic Landmarks on December 19, 1960, and automatically listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966. The home and adjacent district became a National Historic Site on August 18, 1971 [1] and is administered by the National Park Service. As of 2007, it is the only National Park Service property in Illinois. In total, the buildings included in the park make up 12 acres. Per the wishes of his eldest son Robert, admission to the home is free. Donations are accepted.

Open daily except January 1st, Thanksgiving, and December 25th. The only entry into the Lincoln Home is by a ranger guided tour. See the ranger at the Visitor Center desk to obtain a free ticket for a guided tour.


Did You Know?
Abraham Lincoln is the only president to hold a patent. His patent was for a system of chambers designed to refloat boats that had run aground. He received Patent No. 6469 on March 10, 1849.

Location Type: Building Property Type: Public Date of Event: 1844 Location Notes: Interstate 55 from the north: Visitors heading south on I-55 should use exit 98B at Clear Lake Avenue. Proceed west on Clear Lake Avenue towards downtown. Clear Lake will merge into Jefferson street. Continue to follow Jefferson west until you reach Seventh Street. Turn left on Seventh Street. The Visitor Center is located five blocks south on the left side of Seventh Street [half block south of Capitol Avenue]. The visitor parking lot is past the Visitor Center on the left. Interstate 55 from the south: Visitors traveling north on I-55 should use exit 92A at Sixth Street, which is Business I-55, and proceed about four miles north to downtown. Turn right on Capitol Avenue and right again on Seventh Street. The Visitor Center is located on the left side of Seventh Street. The visitor parking lot is past the Visitor Center on the left. URL for Additional Information: [Web Link]

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