Looking for Lincoln
Bloomington-Normal is one of the richest communities for Abraham Lincoln-related sites—some of which look much as they did during his lifetime! There are 12 Looking for Lincoln markers in the Twin Cities, many a short walk from the Museum. Hear Lincoln tell you about each one virtually from here!
From these markers you can...
- View the Phoenix Block, including the actual building where Jesse Fell convinced Lincoln to run for president.
- Admire David Davis' downtown law office where Lincoln and other Eighth Circuit attorneys handled correspondence and casework.
- Learn more about the 1836 McLean County Courthouse where Lincoln practiced law for over two decades.
- Take in the site of Major's Hall where Lincoln delivered a fiery address opposing slavery's expansion at a convention to organize the Illinois Republican Party.
- Stand next to city lots once owned by William “Billy the Barber” de Fleurville, an African American friend of Lincoln’s.
- Visit the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site to learn more about the longtime Eighth Circuit judge who Lincoln appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- See the location of the Illinois Central depot to learn more about Lincoln’s extensive legal work for this railroad.
- Stop at the site of Jesse Fell's home in Normal where Lincoln was a frequent visitor.
The Illinois Central Railroad depot , circa 1860.
Bloomington’s North Street (now Monroe), just north of the Courthouse Square, circa 1860.
McLean County’s Lincoln era courthouse, circa 1855.
