Lincoln Trail State Memorial, Wabash Valley Travel Guide

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Commemorating Abraham Lincoln's first steps into Illinois, a tribute to his early life and the pioneer spirit.

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Lincoln Trail State Memorial

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial commemorates Abraham Lincoln's first entry into Illinois in 1830. The site features a sculpture depicting the Lincoln family's arrival and offers a glimpse into the early life of the future president.

A brief summary to Lincoln Trail State Memorial

Lawrenceville, Illinois, 62439, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lincoln Trail State Memorial.

Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the memorial to understand its historical significance.
Enjoy the scenic view of the Wabash River from the memorial site.
Pack a lunch to enjoy at the memorial site while reflecting on the history.

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Getting There

Driving

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial is located on U.S. Route 50 Business, approximately 11 miles (18 km) east of Lawrenceville, Illinois. From Lawrenceville, head east on US-50 Business. The memorial will be on the right, at the west end of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge. There is a parking area available.
Public Transport

While public transportation options directly to the memorial are limited, you can take an Amtrak train to the Lawrenceville station. From there, a taxi or rideshare service can take you to the memorial, which is about 4 miles away. Taxi/rideshare costs may vary.

Discover more about Lincoln Trail State Memorial

The Lincoln Trail State Memorial marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln and his family first entered Illinois in early March 1830. At the time, a young, destitute 21-year-old Abraham Lincoln was making his way as a frontiersman. The memorial, sculpted by Nellie Verne Walker in 1937 and erected in 1938, features a bronze figure of Lincoln standing in front of a limestone panel. The panel depicts three adults and two children walking alongside an ox-driven covered wagon, led by an angel toward their new home.Lincoln's family crossed the Wabash River by flatboat or ferry from Indiana. They then traveled northwest toward unclaimed farmland in central Illinois. The memorial stands as a tribute to Lincoln's early life and the pioneering spirit of his family. Governor Henry Horner, a great admirer of Lincoln, hoped the memorial would serve as a welcome center for travelers on U.S. Route 50.While the Interstate system later bypassed the area, the memorial still marks an entry point into Illinois. Visitors can reflect on the words inscribed on the memorial and enjoy the view of the Wabash River.