Land of Lincoln

 All Things Lincoln

This bust of Lincoln by sculptor Gutzon Borglum (of Mount Rushmore fame)

sits in from of Lincoln's tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield.

Kris lived in east-central Illinois until she was a teenager.  In all of our travels, we have never passed through the state capital, Springfield.  We camped three nights at the state fair campground and explored the area for a few days. 

On the first morning, we drove out of Springfield about 20 miles to New Salem State Historic Site where Lincoln lived from 1831 to 1837.  There he served as postmaster, owned and operated a store, got elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, and obtained his law license.  We were among the first visitors and enjoyed a comfortable morning and unhurried visit.  All but one of the buildings are reconstructions built by the CCC during the Great Depression.  We have seen the efforts of the CCC all over our nation and our citizens are still reaping the benefits of this relief program.     

After our visit to New Salem, we returned to Springfield to explore more of the significant sites... Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, and Oak Ridge Cemetery where his tomb is located.

This sculpture is on the plaza in front of the Old Capitol Building where Lincoln served.

It is under scaffolding for restoration so I didn't take a photo or go inside.

What is in your hat, Mr. Lincoln?

The church where the Lincolns worshipped was closed, but this was on the 

side of the building.

We toured the inside of Lincoln's home....

What started out as a one-story dwelling, was enlarged and improved while the Lincolns lived there.

Lincoln's desk

We were told that this kitchen stove was a sign of prosperity and Mrs. Lincoln wanted to take it to Washington, D.D.   It stayed in Springfield.

... and the state capitol building

The tallest non-skyscraper capitol building in the U.S. and is taller than the Capitol in

Washington, D.C>

Intricate ceiling decorations of a  moldable material known as carton-pierre, midway between 

plaster and papier-mache in weight.

The Lincoln Presidential Museum had excellent dioramas and interactive audio-visual presentations.

The Lincoln boys were known to be a bit rambunctious in their father's law office.

Ford's Theater diorama

Lying in state at the state capitol

Lincoln's Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery

Visitors rub his nose for good luck (but there is a sign saying

not to touch the sculptures).

Statues inside the tomb depict Lincoln at various stages of his life.

Lincoln's first resting place:

Some of the sights along Route 66 near Springfield:

The next photo explains the significance of the watermelon in the town of Lincoln.

Reading a book whenever and wherever he could.