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Lincoln Depot: A Farewell to Springfield

Step back in time at the Lincoln Depot, where Abraham Lincoln bid farewell to Springfield before becoming president.

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Visit the Lincoln Depot in Springfield, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln delivered his poignant farewell address before departing for his presidency in 1861. This historic train station, carefully restored, offers a glimpse into the past and Lincoln's connection to the city.

A brief summary to Lincoln Depot

Local tips

  • Check the opening dates, as they may vary. Calling ahead is recommended.
  • Allow at least 1 hour to fully experience the exhibits and absorb the historical significance.
  • Consider visiting nearby Lincoln Home National Historic Site to enrich your understanding of Lincoln's life in Springfield.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lincoln Depot is located in downtown Springfield, a few blocks from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. From the Lincoln Home, walk east on East Edwards Street, then turn right onto 8th Street. Continue two blocks to East Monroe Street, then turn left. The Lincoln Depot will be on your right at 930 E Monroe St. The walk is approximately 0.2 miles and should take about 5 minutes. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) provides bus service throughout the city. Check the SMTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several routes stop near the Lincoln Depot. From Union Station, take a bus that stops near 9th and Monroe. Walk one block east to the Depot. A single ride fare is $1.25. A 1-Day unlimited ride pass is available for $3.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Springfield. A ride from the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to the Lincoln Depot, located approximately 6 miles away, typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to confirm the fare before you begin your trip.

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Discover more about Lincoln Depot

The Lincoln Depot in Springfield, Illinois, stands as a monument to Abraham Lincoln's departure to assume the presidency. Originally built in 1852 as the Great Western Depot, it served as a crucial transportation hub. On February 11, 1861, President-elect Lincoln bid farewell to his friends and neighbors at this very spot before boarding a train to Washington D.C.. His heartfelt, impromptu speech, now known as the Farewell Address, resonates with the sadness of leaving his home of 24 years. The depot's history is marked by both progress and adversity. Damaged by fire in 1857, it was rebuilt and continued to serve passengers. Around 1900, passenger services ceased, and the building transitioned through various uses, including a freight house and warehouse. A local group purchased the depot in the 1960s with the aim of restoring it as a historical site. It functioned as a museum from 1965 to 1976, and after another fire in 1968, it was later reopened as a museum in 1980. Today, the Lincoln Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first floor is open to the public as a visitor center, featuring photo exhibits, railroad memorabilia, and a video about Lincoln's journey to Washington. While the upper floors house a private law office, the historic significance of the depot remains palpable, offering visitors a chance to connect with Lincoln's legacy and the poignant moment of his departure.

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