In 1839, a small, humble, one-and-a-half cottage was constructed at the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets in Springfield, Illinois. Its first resident, the Reverend Charles Dresser, married a young couple -- Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd -- in 1843. The following year, Abraham Lincoln purchased this house and moved in with his wife and his first son, Robert Todd. (LIHO)

In 1850, the Lincolns suffered their first tragedy when their second son, Eddie, died just before his fourth birthday. The following year, they celebrated the birth of their third son Willie, and two years later their fourth and final child, Thomas (nicknamed Tad) was born. With a growing family, the Lincolns expanded their house by adding a full second floor by 1856.(TLM #2837)

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln caused a national outpouring of grief. His home became the focus for mourners and the photographers who recorded these early visitors. (MAX LOU COLORTYPE COMPANY)

By the late nineteenth century, Lincoln's home became a popular scene for rallies, ceremonies, and celebrations. During the 15th annual reunion of the Illinois Association of Ex-Prisoners of War, a flag pole was erected in the backyard. (FOTH)

At the turn of the century, people visited the Lincoln Home either by horse and carriage or by Springfield's streetcars that operated on Eighth Street directly in front of the house. (SVC)

Visitation was increasing to the Lincoln Home by 1905 and an awning was added. The elm tree, said to have been planted by Lincoln himself, survived into the 20th century. Over time the tree weakened, and finally a fierce storm on August 17, 1906, destroyed it. (SVC)

By February 12, 1910, when a group of visitors came to the home to commemorate Lincoln's birthday, a new elm tree was planted. A few years later it would succumb to Dutch Elm disease. By this date, the home also witnessed additional changes as Eighth Street was paved and a fire hydrant, overhead electric lines, and a flagpole were installed. (SVC)

This stereographic view of the Lincoln Home in 1920, published in the United States, England, and Australia, illustrates Lincoln's growing international reputation. It also captures another change to the house -- a small entry-way that was added to the front. (Keystone View Company)

As Lincoln's reputation grew, his home became a powerful political symbol. In June of 1931, President Herbert Hoover traveled to Springfield to participate in the dedication of the newly restored Lincoln Tomb. This photograph shows the 31st President visiting the Lincoln Home with his family. Even today, Presidents and presidential hopefuls make well-publicized pilgrimages to the home. (HPL)

The first motion picture depicting the life of Lincoln was produced in 1924. As film-making technology advanced, the Lincoln Home became a popular backdrop for commercial and documentary productions. Illinois Bell sponsored this night-time filming of "Appointment with Tomorrow" for educational audiences. (SVC)

Although every effort was made to preserve the home, 1950s technology had numerous shortcomings. To control temperature and humidity, window fans were installed. Particularly visible is the large one on the second floor, directly above the front door. (SVC)

In the 1960s, gift shops and souvenir stores gradually encircled Lincoln's home encroaching on what remained from a century earlier. (SVC)

Attempts to preserve the historic area around the Lincoln Home met with mixed success. This 1968 view shows period street lighting fixtures, installed by the City of Springfield, whose effect is somewhat compromised by the overhead power lines. (SVC)

In 1972 the Lincoln Home came under the stewardship of the National Park Service. In May 1987 the Lincoln Home was closed for restoration. The project touched every aspect of the home, from its foundations to the replacement lightning rods that replicate those Abraham Lincoln had installed to calm Mary's fear of lightning. (SJR)

The National Park Service "encased" the home in a plastic shell so work could continue year round. (SJR)

The Lincoln Home as it appeared on the eve of its reopening on June 16, 1988. (SJR)