This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Privacy Policy page.
Abraham Lincoln Landmarks
Today, Abraham Lincoln is regarded as a hero of freedom and the emancipator of slavery in the United States. But during his lifetime, he was not as well loved and received. In fact, his Presidency would mirror a political divide in the country that would ultimately lead to the Civil War, killing an estimated 750,000 Americans.
Most people today agree that Lincoln was a great leader, and his contribution to this country as President was bold. If you are a fan, visiting these Lincoln Landmarks is a must. Two of my favorite books on Lincoln are….
Bloody Crimes: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Chase for Jefferson Davis
And
Abraham Lincoln: A Life from Beginning to End
I became interested in traveling to the Lincoln landmarks after reading both books. There are quite a few landmarks that I may not mention here, but I will mention the ones I believe to be most important.
Lincoln’s Boyhood Home in Kentucky
Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky on February 12th, 1809. Kentucky maintains two sites, one a memorial of his birth place and the other his boyhood home from ages two to eight just 7 miles down the street in Knob Creek.
This is the place that would shape Lincoln’s early years of life. Most importantly it is amazing to see that this boy of humble origins would one day become one of the most important Presidents to ever have served the United States. (1)
Check out the National Park Service on Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace
Lincoln Family Home in Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, IL is one of the most important places that would shape Lincoln’s legal and political life. In 1837 Lincoln would arrive to Springfield just after having passed the Bar in hopes of one day becoming a lawyer.
The National Park Service maintains Lincoln’s home that he and his family lived in for the seventeen years prior to him becoming the sixteenth President of the United States. This tour is one that you will not want to miss out on. (2)
Check out the National Park Service Lincoln Home in Springfield, IL
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois
The Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is absolutely a must for anyone who loves Lincoln history. The curators have done a fantastic job designing an exhibit that displays the family items and retelling the story of Lincoln’s life.
My husband and I got there a bit late on the day we were visiting and had to rush through it all, but just know that you could spend at least half of the day or longer in this museum. We were very impressed with it and I will definitely go back for a visit the next time I drive through Springfield. (3)
Check out the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum here
The Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, IL
The history of Lincoln’s tomb is quite interesting. In 1876 crime boss Jame “Big Jim” Kinealy talked two of his men into acting in a plot to steal the remains of Lincoln for a large ransom. A third man was asked to assist who would become an informant to the newly formed Secret Service.
The Secret Service was able to scare the thieves off before they got away with Lincoln’s remains. The men would be tracked and found ten days after they broke into the grave.(4) Since then, Lincoln’s remains have been heavily buried under cement since 1901. (5)
Check out Lincoln’s Tomb and Take a Virtual Tour here
The Lincoln’s Stay in the Willard Hotel, Washington DC
The Willard is one of the famous hotels in DC that holds immense history. When Lincoln first arrived to DC prior to his inauguration he made this gorgeous hotel his home for ten days prior to moving into the White House. (6)
The Willard Hotel is one my favorite hotels in DC. Not just because of how beautiful the architecture or décor is, but because of the beauty of its history. If you have a chance to step into the Willard there is a beautiful painting of Lincoln in one of their sitting rooms.
Check out my previous article on The Ultimate Guide to the Best Historical Bar Tour in DC. I mention the famous Round Robbin Bar located inside of the Willard Hotel.
The Old Soldiers Home – Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington DC
The Old Soldiers Home in Washington DC is a lesser known landmark, but it is my absolute favorite out of all of the Lincoln landmarks.
This home was occupied by Lincoln and his family as a retreat during the hot sweltering summers in DC. In fact, four US Presidents used this cottage to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. He would write the final draft of the emancipation proclamation in this house and was there the day before he was shot.
When I took the tour our guide was a local history student who was working her internship. What is so different and amazing about this tour is that it is given from the first person perspective, almost as if you are visiting Lincoln through the eyes of a “primary source” (a term in the history business meaning “someone who saw it first-hand”). (7)
Do not miss out on the landmark if you are in Washington DC. President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home
Ford Theater and the Peterson House
The Ford Theater and the Peterson house are located in Washington DC. You must purchase a ticket to go through the museum, as due to the small space they have to limit traffic through the building. I absolutely enjoyed this tour, and this is my second favorite Lincoln landmark behind Lincoln’s Cottage (my husband says this one is his favorite though, so it’s a close race!)
The balcony booth in the theater where Lincoln was shot is preserved with the bullet holes in the wall and decorated just the way it was the fateful night of April 14, 1865. (8)
The ticket you buy to visit Ford Theater is also good for the Peterson House, which is across the street. This is where Lincoln was taken after he was assassinated. Here you will see the bedroom that he would ultimately pass away in. (9)
Check for tickets and times here: Fords Theater and the Peterson House
Abraham Lincoln Memorial
The National Mall in Washington DC is obviously a must for anyone on their visit, and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful Memorials in all of the capital. For the most impactful atmosphere you won’t forget, make sure to visit the Lincoln Memorial right at sunrise, right at sunset, or anytime at night. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Sources
(1). https://www.nps.gov/abli/index.htm
(2). https://www.nps.gov/liho/planyourvisit/lincoln-home-tour.htm
(3) https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/
(4). https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/a-plot-to-steal-the-remains-of-president-lincoln.htm
(5). https://dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/central/lincoln-tomb.html
(6). https://washington.intercontinental.com/history/
(7). https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presidents/lincoln_cottage.html
(8). https://fords.org/visit-us/historic-site-visit/#theatre