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Lincoln's First Illinois Home State Historic Site: A Humble Beginning

Discover where Abraham Lincoln's journey began: his first Illinois home near Decatur, offering a glimpse into his formative years on the frontier.

Visit the site of Abraham Lincoln's first home in Illinois, where his family settled in 1830 near Decatur. Though the cabin is long gone, the site offers a glimpse into the challenging frontier life that shaped the future president.

A brief summary to Lincoln’s First Illinois Home State Historic Site

  • 9056-9052 W Harristown Blvd, Niantic, Illinois, 62551, US
  • +1217-864-3121

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for a quieter, more personal experience.
  • Check the local calendar for special events or reenactments that may enhance your visit.
  • Bring a camera to capture the peaceful surroundings and historical marker.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Decatur, take IL-51 South. Turn right onto W Harristown Blvd. The site will be on your right. Parking is available on site. Note: 7th Street, the street in which cars will be driving down in order to reach our parking lot, is a one-way street.

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Discover more about Lincoln’s First Illinois Home State Historic Site

Lincoln's First Illinois Home State Historic Site marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln's family first settled in Illinois in March 1830. Seeking fertile land, Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, moved the family from Indiana to a plot along the Sangamon River, a few miles west of Decatur. The Lincolns' time here was short-lived. The winter of 1830-31 was exceptionally harsh, and illness plagued the family. After just a year, the Lincolns moved on to Coles County, and Abraham Lincoln began his independent life, eventually settling in New Salem. While the original cabin is no longer standing, the site evokes the spirit of early Illinois frontier life. A marker erected in 1904 indicates the approximate location of the Lincoln home. The area offers a chance to reflect on the humble beginnings of one of America's most revered presidents. The park itself features mature trees and scenic views of the Sangamon River, providing a peaceful setting for contemplation.

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