Lincoln Oak facts for kids
The Lincoln Oak was a famous oak tree in Bloomington, Illinois. It was a special place where two important American politicians, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, gave speeches in the 1850s. The first Lincoln Oak tree sadly died in 1976. A new oak tree was planted in 1980 to remember the original one.
The Lincoln Oak's Story
The original Lincoln Oak tree stood in an area of Bloomington called Dimmett's Grove. This was a popular spot for public gatherings. Between 1855 and 1860, both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke there. They were important leaders who often debated big ideas about the country's future.
Near the tree, a large house called the Vrooman Mansion was built in 1869. This mansion still stands today and looks out over the spot where the Lincoln Oak once grew. The original tree lived for many years, but it died in 1976. To honor its history, a new oak tree was planted in 1980.
Remembering the Lincoln Oak
In 1914, a special ceremony was held to honor the Lincoln Oak. A famous poet named Vachel Lindsay spoke at the event. A metal plaque was attached to the tree. It featured a quote from Adlai Stevenson I, who was a politician from Illinois. He said:
I have heard Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln at different times speak from a platform erected under the shade of this tree. This historic spot was then a part of Dimmett's Grove.
In 1966, the small piece of land where the oak tree stood was given to the city of Bloomington. This area became a small park. The original plaque from the tree is now on display at the McLean County Historical Society. You can also find a leaf from the original Lincoln Oak tree in the Milburn Lincoln Wilson Abraham Lincoln Collection at Montana State University.
