5 Places Abraham Lincoln Lived In Illinois That Might Surprise You
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Though our nation’s 16th President was born in Kentucky and spent some time in Indiana, he grew up in Illinois, where he lived most of his life. Some of his houses are long gone, but other Abraham Lincoln homes in Illinois are landmarks today, and you may be surprised to find where they are located. Scroll on for more details.
The first settlement that Lincoln resided in after moving to the state by ox-cart with his family from Indiana was a plot about 10 miles west of the central Illinois town of Decatur. They found excellent farmland on the north side of the Sangamon River but it wasn't long before a hard winter and illness forced them to move.
Lincoln only lived in the Coles County home for a year. At the age of 22, he took cargo down the Mississippi River and made money doing various boating jobs. The place where his home stood is now a small state park.
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After Lincoln returned from the south, he settled northwest of Springfield, took various jobs and educated himself. During this time, he stayed with various different families and worked in stores and did all kinds of things.
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Lincoln spent some time in the state militia before studying law and becoming elected to the state legislature. He spent a few months each year in the state's original capital of Vandalia, and though the capital building still stands, his home no longer exists.
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Eventually, Lincoln met Mary Todd. They married in November 1842 and lived in the Globe Tavern, which is no longer standing. Their first son was born there.
The Lincolns lived in one other house before purchasing the notorious home at Eighth and Jackson Streets. This grand estate is now a visitors' attraction that has been kept in excellent shape over the years.
Of course, Lincoln's final resting place is his tomb in Springfield at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Here he lies with his wife and three of their four sons.
Have you ever visited the site of one of these Abraham Lincoln homes? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
For more like this, check out this trail of Abraham Lincoln attractions in Illinois.
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Featured Addresses
Springfield, IL, USA
Vandalia, IL 62471, USA
Decatur, IL, USA
Coles County, IL, USA
New Salem, IL 62357, USA