Lincoln Home National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lincoln Home Site |
|
|---|---|
Lincoln Home National Historic Site in April 2009
|
|
 Lincoln Home Site
Location in Illinois
Lincoln Home Site
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Springfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Area | 12.24 acres (4.95 ha) |
| Established | August 18, 1971 |
| Visitors | 419,552 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Lincoln Home National Historic Site |
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site protects the house where Abraham Lincoln lived. This special place is in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln lived here from 1844 to 1861. After that, he became the 16th president of the United States.
The site includes Lincoln's home and the four city blocks around it. It also has a visitor center where you can learn more. This area is like a memorial to a very important president.
Contents
Abraham Lincoln's Springfield Home
In 1837, Abraham Lincoln moved to Springfield. He was just starting his career as a lawyer. He had moved from a place called New Salem.
Lincoln met his future wife, Mary Todd, in Springfield. They met at her sister's house. They got married in Springfield in 1842.
Lincoln's Only Owned House
Lincoln and Mary bought their home in 1844. It is located at 413 South Eighth Street. This was the only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned.
Three of their children were born in this house. Sadly, one son, Eddie, passed away here. The house has twelve rooms spread across two floors.
While living in this home, Lincoln achieved many things. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1846. Later, in 1860, he was elected President.
Today, the Lincoln Home looks just like it did in 1860. It has been carefully restored.
How the Home Became a Historic Site
Lincoln's son, Robert Todd Lincoln, gave the family home to the State of Illinois in 1887. He wanted it to be well cared for. He also wanted it to be open to everyone for free.
Before this, people living in the house would charge visitors money. They also sometimes didn't take good care of the home.
The Lincoln Home became a National Historic Landmark in 1960. This means it's a very important historical place. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
On August 18, 1971, the home and its surrounding area became a National Historic Site. The National Park Service now owns and manages it.
Other Buildings in the Historic Area
.jpg)
Besides Lincoln's house, other buildings in the four-block area are also protected. These homes have been restored to look like they did when Lincoln lived there.
Two of these houses, the Dean House and the Arnold House, are open to visitors. They have exhibits about Lincoln and his neighbors. The park covers about 12 acres. Some other homes in the area are still privately owned. People live in them under rules from the Park District.
One interesting house is the Lyon House. Samuel Rosenwald bought it in 1868. His son, Julius Rosenwald, grew up there. Julius later became the president of Sears Roebuck and Company. He was also a very generous person who gave a lot of money to help others. In 2020, a plaque was put up to honor Julius Rosenwald at the house.
Exploring Lincoln's Neighborhood
Springfield has other important places connected to Lincoln. The Old State Capitol is nearby. Lincoln worked there as a state lawmaker.
You can also see the building where Lincoln had his law office. He worked there with his partner, William Herndon, from 1844 to 1852.
The Lincoln Depot is another historic spot. This is where Lincoln left Springfield in 1861. He was heading to Washington D.C. for his inauguration as president.
See also
