Abraham Lincoln's Illinois Home: Springfield, Not "Illiniose"

Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield, Illinois from 1837 until his 1861 inauguration—24 years that shaped his legal and political career.

Timeline

• 1809: Born in Hardin County (now LaRue), Kentucky.
• 1816: Family moved to Indiana (Spencer County).
• 1830: Moved to Illinois (Macon County, near Decatur).
• 1831: New Salem (Sangamon County) — clerk, postmaster, militia captain.
• 1837: Relocated to Springfield (state capital since 1839); law practice, state legislature, marriage (1842), one term in Congress (1847–49).
• 1861: Left for Washington as President-elect.

Lincoln Sites in Springfield

• Lincoln Home National Historic Site: Only home he ever owned (8th & Jackson); free tours.
• Old State Capitol: Where he served, gave "House Divided" speech.
• Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices: Restored 3rd-floor suite.
• Lincoln Tomb (Oak Ridge Cemetery): Final resting place.
• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum: World-class exhibits.

Springfield—not Chicago, not "Illiniose"—was Lincoln's adopted hometown and political launchpad.