Strevell House: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Life and Lincoln's Legacy

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Visit the Strevell House in Pontiac, IL: A beautifully restored 1850s Carpenter Gothic home where Abraham Lincoln once stayed. Open for tours!

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Strevell House

The Strevell House in Pontiac, Illinois, is a beautifully restored Carpenter Gothic home with ties to Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1854-1855, it offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and architecture and is open for tours by the Livingston County Historical Society.

A brief summary to Strevell House

401 W Livingston St, Pontiac, Illinois, 61764, US
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Local tips

Check the Livingston County Historical Society's website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date tour schedule and special events.
The Strevell House is open for free tours on select Saturdays from 1 PM to 3 PM.
Contact the Pontiac Tourism office to arrange a private tour.
Consider purchasing a memorial brick to support the maintenance of the Strevell House.

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Getting There

Walking

The Strevell House is located at 401 W Livingston St in Pontiac, easily accessible from the downtown area. From the Livingston County Courthouse, walk west on E Livingston St for approximately 0.2 miles. The Strevell House will be on your left.
Public Transport

Pontiac is served by Amtrak. From the Amtrak station, Good Times Taxi and Limousine Service can provide transport to the Strevell House. Call (815) 844-2631 to arrange for pickup. Alternatively, SHOW Bus: Pontiac Limited Stop Service offers transportation for senior adults. Contact (800) 525-2454 for details and scheduling. A round trip costs $2.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Pontiac. A short ride from the Amtrak station or other points in downtown Pontiac to the Strevell House will typically cost between $5 and $15, depending on the service and time of day.
Driving

The Strevell House is located at 401 W Livingston St, Pontiac, IL 61764. From Interstate 55, take exit 183 for Illinois Route 116 toward Pontiac. Follow IL-116 E/W Reynolds St into Pontiac. Turn left onto N Mill St, then turn right onto W Livingston St. The Strevell House will be on your left. Free street parking is available.

Discover more about Strevell House

The Strevell House, located at 401 W Livingston St in Pontiac, Illinois, is a significant historical landmark with architectural merit and a unique connection to Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1854-1855 by Zelus H. Nettleton, a master carpenter, the house is an excellent example of Carpenter Gothic architecture, characterized by its wood frame, steeply pitched gabled roof, and distinctive trim. Jason Strevell, a lawyer, moved from New York to Pontiac in 1855. He married Nettleton's widow in 1858 and doubled the home's size. In January 1860, Abraham Lincoln, a friend of Strevell, visited Pontiac to deliver a lecture at the Presbyterian Church. Lincoln stayed at the Strevell House, where Strevell measured Lincoln's height at six feet four inches in the doorway. Strevell later served in the Illinois State Legislature and Senate. In 2008, the house was purchased by concerned citizens to prevent demolition, and ownership was transferred to the Livingston County Historical Society in 2009. After a decade-long restoration, the Strevell House is now open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the home's architecture and learn about its history and connection to Abraham Lincoln. The house also hosts exhibits, such as "Nine Days in April: The Lincoln Assassination and the Press". The Strevell House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 2023.