Lincoln Home National Historic Site

I enjoy studying and exploring Presidential sites, and I have visited all of the Presidential libraries and many smaller historic locations. Of course, I am partial to some presidents more than others, and for me one that is most special is Abraham Lincoln. As a child, we celebrated his birthday in February each year, separately, and I felt he deserved a day of honor. We moved to change the day in February to be Presidents Day, but for me, I remember how Lincoln (and Washington) stood out. He became a hero because he was the leader during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history. This was a period when brother fought brother and so much blood was spilled on our own soil. Even while facing his own personal tragedy of the death of his son while in the White House, he steered the ship with extraordinary courage.

So when I had the opportunity to drive just a bit out of the way to visit Lincoln Home National Historic Site, I was most excited. The site preserves the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, where he lived with Mary Todd Lincoln and their children from 1844 until he left for the presidency in 1861. The house and the surrounding four block neighborhood have been completely restored in their 1860 appearance.

The property was donated to the State of Illinois by Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln, in 1887 with the condition that it always be maintained and open to the public. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and later established as a National Historic Site in 1971. Today it is owned and interpreted by the National Park Service.

Walking through the rooms where Lincoln lived, and wandering the streets he once walked, brought his life into sharper focus for me.