Our tour took us around Springfield, Illinois. This was President Lincoln's home when he first became a lawyer and entered into politics.
Our first stop was the Lincoln Museum and Library. I thought it was excellent. You enter into what seems almost like a rotunda in a capitol building. On one side there is a log cabin, with the figure of Abe sitting on a stump and reading a book.
Visitors "journey" through the cabin, which replicates the size of the one-room
cabins that Lincoln grew up in, and then on through several displays depicting
Lincoln's pre-presidential years. Many of the exhibits use full-size models of Lincoln,
family members, and others depicting this part of Lincoln's story.
On the other side of the 'rotunda' are figures of Lincoln and his family in front of the White House.
The "journey" in this exhibit focuses on the presidential years.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit this gallery.
In addition, there is a changing exhibit of art and there are two holographic presentations
that I found to be very engaging. Oh, and it wouldn't be a museum without a gift shop!
We visited Lincoln's home in Springfield.
When he first moved to Springfield and began to practice law
he bought this house. At that time it was only a 1-story home.
As the Lincoln family grew, the second floor was added.
Much of the house is as it was in Lincoln's day,
with many of the original items still on exhibit.
Lincoln and Mary intended to return to the house following Lincoln's term.
It is beautiful.
Bronze statues depicting Lincoln,
and the armed forces stand out on the white granite.
Lincoln lies at rest below this red granite marker.
His family is interred within the tomb as well,
with the exception of his youngest, and longest surviving son
who is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
And of course, a visit to the monument is not complete unless one rubs
the nose of this Lincoln head to bring good luck!
