Today we drove about 45 miles North, to Springfield, the capital city of Illinois.  One of the things that I would like to do is visit as many of the Presidential Museum/Libraries.  In addition, we both want to check out as many of the National Parks as we can.  There are 401 designated parks.  Our first stop in downtown Springfield, was the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  At a cost of $12.00 (discounts for seniors, military, students and AAA members), it was well worth the price.  If you are ever in the area, this would be a “must-see” item, and plan on spending about 3 hours going thru the museum.

 

 

 

The Lincoln’s had a fourth son, Edward, but he died at age 4, before Lincoln was elected President.  William died at age 12, in the White House, during Lincoln’s first term.  Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, and there was four candidates running for President at the time.  He was assasinated during his second term, after the end of the Civil War.  The museum goes into great detail of both the life of Lincoln, as well as the Civil War.   Photography is only allowed in the plaza, so I do not have any additional photos to share of the museum.

After the museum, we walked over to the Old State Capitol, open from 1839 – 1876.  Lincoln, a local attorney in Springfield before he was President, argued many cases before the IL Supreme Court.  This is also where he delivered his “House Divided” speech.

Across from the capitol, is the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, where he had his law office.

We had a picnic lunch in Union Square across from the museum.  Then we walked on down to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.  Abe and his family lived in this house until he moved into the White House. Admission to this park is free.  There are a number of actual items owned by the Lincoln’s still in the house.

 

This is a genuine desk owned by the Lincoln’s

It is believed Mrs. Lincoln suffered from migraine headaches….perhaps it was the wallpaper pattern combined with the wild carpet pattern in her bedroom that caused them??

After the tour of the house, we went out to Oak Ridge Cemetery, to see Lincoln’s Tomb.  In addition to Lincoln, his wife and 3 of their 4 sons are buried there.  The oldest son, Robert, wanted to be buried there as well, but after his death, his wife refused to honor his request, because she didn’t want to be buried with her mother-in-law!  Robert is buried, with his wife, at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

It is recommended to rub Lincoln’s nose for good luck!

On our way back home, we went past the current Illinois State Capitol Building:

Thanks for following along on our journey!

 

Quote for the day:  “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”  Abraham Lincoln