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Moore Home State Historic Site: A Glimpse into Lincoln's Family Life

Explore the 1850s home of Abraham Lincoln's stepsister at the Moore Home State Historic Site in Lerna, Illinois. A unique glimpse into Lincoln's family life.

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Visit the Moore Home State Historic Site in Lerna, Illinois, to step back in time and explore the preserved home of Reuben Moore and his wife Matilda, who was Abraham Lincoln's stepsister. This late 1850s frame house offers a unique perspective on Lincoln's family connections and the lives of middle-class families in the mid-19th century.

A brief summary to Moore Home State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours before your visit, as they can vary depending on the season.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a richer understanding of the site's historical significance.
  • Bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture and surrounding landscapes.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Moore Home State Historic Site is located on Lincoln Highway Road (400 Lincoln Hwy Rd, Lerna, IL 62440), south of Charleston, Illinois. From Charleston, take Lincoln Highway Road south for approximately 8 miles. The site will be on your right. There is a paved parking lot available.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transportation to the Moore Home State Historic Site is limited, you can take Amtrak to the Mattoon station. From there, you can take a taxi or rideshare service to the site, which is approximately a 20-minute drive. Taxi/Rideshare cost will be approximately $25-$40.

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Discover more about Moore Home State Historic Site

The Moore Home State Historic Site, located in Lerna, Illinois, provides a personal connection to the life of Abraham Lincoln through his stepfamily. The site centers around the preserved home of Reuben Moore and his wife, Matilda Johnston Hall Moore, who was the daughter of Sarah Bush Lincoln and stepsister to the future president. The 1.5-story frame house, dating back to the late 1850s, has been carefully reconstructed and furnished to reflect the living conditions of a middle-class family during that era. Visitors can explore the four rooms and a loft, gaining insights into the daily lives of the Moore family. The house features period pieces, including a rope mattress bed with a quilt, offering a glimpse into the past. The Moore Home is part of the larger Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, which also includes the Lincoln Log Cabin, the Sargent Farm, and the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of 1840s Illinois farm life and learn about the agricultural practices of the time. Costumed interpreters often demonstrate traditional chores and farming techniques, providing a living history experience. Abraham Lincoln visited his stepmother and stepsister at the Moore Home on January 31, 1861, before leaving for his inauguration in Washington, D.C.. This visit marked his last to Coles County, making the site a significant landmark in Lincoln's personal history.

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