Lincoln - Proud of our Heritage
First settled in the 1830s and later established in 1853, Lincoln, Illinois was the only town named for Abraham Lincoln before he became President of the United States. Lincoln came to the new town site on August 27, 1853 at the time that lots were to be sold. In 1853, Lincoln was regionally well known as a one-term Congressman and popular trial lawyer, but not yet known nationally. He had been asked prior to this to christen the town, and christen it he did, in his own special style. Taking juice from a pile of watermelons stacked nearby, he poured the juiced on the ground, after which the town lots were sold.
Lincoln was no stranger to the area which would later become Logan County. In 1834 he surveyed the Samuel Musick Salt Creek Ferry Road through Middletown to New Salem and on towards Jacksonville, IL. Two years later he surveyed the site of Albany approximately 5 miles south of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln assisted in establishing Logan as a county in 1839, in honor of friend Dr. John Logan, a southern Illinois Democrat whose support Lincoln needed in moving the capitol of Illinois from Vandalia to its current location in Springfield. As a lawyer, Lincoln rode the Eighth Judicial Circuit in which Logan County was a part, from 1840 to 1860.
As you may have noticed, the city of Lincoln is proud of its connection with Abraham Lincoln. Even today, in the city of Lincoln, Illinois, you can enjoy a Walking Tour of our Downtown, a tour that is rich in the history of Abraham Lincoln, as well as the city of Lincoln, Illinois.
Lincoln College, founded in 1865, has to be Mr. Lincoln's proudest godchild. For more than 140 years, it has taught the philosophy that the education of the heart is just as important as the education of the mind. Lincoln College has a beautiful new museum and library housing one of the finest Lincolnia collections to be found anywhere in the world. A Merrill Gage statue of "Lincoln, the Student" stands on the campus mall with Mr. Lincoln's prophetic words on the base of the statue reading, "I shall prepare myself and someday my chance will come."
We are also proud to be part of Historic Route 66, a cultural icon that represents the spirit of America and reflects the modern expansion of transportation and commerce in our country. The proximity of Logan County provides for the location of several Route 66 attractions. "May I Take Your Order?" was a routine question along Route 66 during the hustle of hungry travelers along The Tropics Restaurant in Lincoln, IL.
Vast arrays of "pony and horseshoe sandwiches" were served under the palm trees. The Tropics is still servicing Route 66 to this day. The Mill on Route 66 served the famous "Schnitzel" sandwich that can still be eaten on the historic courthouse square. The Pig Hip in Broadwell, IL was a favorite stop for the "pig hip" (ham) sandwich with its secret sauce
There's more to see in Lincoln, such as The Postville Courthouse in Lincoln, IL is an historic reproduction of an 8th Circuit Courthouse that Abraham Lincoln once practiced law in. Located on one of the historic sections of Route 66, it is easily accessible, and is open for tours on most days.
Sources:
Lincoln College Museum
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency
Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County
