The formal parlor in the Lincoln home
During our travels we have enjoyed some of the sights and historic attractions in Springfield, Illinois. The only US National Park in Illinois is the four block area that includes the home of Abraham Lincoln and his family. Lincoln only owned one house during his life, and it was this one in Springfield.
Today the home is completely restored including what is touted as original Lincoln family furniture and other items. You have to go on a guided tour of the Lincoln home. Tickets are free but you do need a ticket. The tickets are available at the information center. There were not a lot of people there today but there were a couple of bus loads of tourists. We did have to wait a couple of hours before our tour. On a real busy tourist day it might take a while to be able to take the tour.
The tour was quick, maybe a half hour at the most. I would have liked to really look at some of the furnishings of the house, but those NPS Rangers kept you moving, and by golly you better not even touch the walls or even the door jambs! I understand not wanting things worn out but to yell at a fellow who puts his hand on a painted wood door jamb? Oh well, it was still fun to see the Lincoln house.
A ‘classic’ view of the home
These parlor chairs are said to be Lincoln’s in this house. The NPS guide said they went into storage after Lincoln moved to DC. and were recovered.
Lincoln’s desk in his upstairs bedroom. Legend says he wrote his debates with Douglas at this desk.
Lincoln’s dresser with wash basin and pitcher and shaving gear.
When it is too cold to go to the outhouse…
The four block historic area around the Lincoln home on the left
There are lots of displays in the info center as well as a couple of short films. And of course the gift shop was packed with just about everything Lincoln you could imagine.
Roadtirement 
how awesome to visit Abe’s place – thanks for sharing
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It really is exciting to see his house, and especially the desk where he wrote his debate speeches. Thanks for sharing.
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🙂
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I love that entire block. We went there one 4th of July and they had people in period dress singing songs from the Civil War Era.
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Love those living history events!
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Interesting place! I got sternly scolded at for the exact same hand-on-the-door-jam thing when we visited a Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont.
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I know working with the public can be tough, but also having an NPS badge does not make you a bada** LEO.
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We enjoyed seeing Lincoln’s house. Your photos are great.
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Thank you very much.
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Thank you! We appreciate your visits and kind comments, Anne.
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A fascinating attraction, but a shame that you can’t go at your own pace
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Yes it was quite frustrating to basically have to keep walking with no pauses allowed. I wanted to have a close look, but no, not allowed. Thanks, Derrick
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Ha, had to laugh, apparently the custodians haven’t changed a bit from when I used to go there in my childhood – remember the “extra” scrutiny I would get as soon as I stepped into the house hehehe. As with the other other posts, appreciated the chance to look back.
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(Smiles) Seems as if the application for work at Lincoln’s home requires bad attitude and meanness!
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