Lincoln Neighborhood

Painting of part of the Lincoln Neighborhood

NPS

 

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln as you explore the historic neighborhood surrounding his home of seventeen years. Restored to its 1860 appearance, the four-block area contains twelve historic structures dating back to Lincoln's time.

As you take a self-guided stroll through the neighborhood, you will find outdoor exhibits introducing Mr. Lincoln's neighbors and what daily life was like in 1860s Springfield. Maps of the neighborhood can be found on our Maps page.

Outdoor exhibits:

• The Jameson Jenkins lot, a site of the Underground Railroad
• Rosenwald House, where Julius Rosenwald, philanthrophist and former president of Sears, Roebuck & Company, once lived
• Various exhibits focusing on Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln family, and the Lincoln Home along 8th street

Indoor Exhibits

Indoor exhibits are open to the public from 9am - 4:30pm in the Dean and Arnold Houses:

• The Dean House Exhibit, What a Pleasant Home Abe Lincoln Has, focuses on Lincoln, the Lincoln Home, and the Lincoln family's life in Springfield
• The Arbold House Exhibit, If These Walls Could Talk, focuses on the historic preservation of the Lincoln neighborhood

Take a Virtual Tour

Through a partnership with Google Arts and Culture, you can now take a virtual tour around the Lincoln neighborhood.

 

Historic Buildings and Key Points of Interest in the Lincoln Neighborhood

 

The Arnold House

Built in 1839 by Reverend Francis Springer, the Arnold House was sold to Charles Arnold in 1850. Mr. Arnold was a political ally of Abraham Lincoln, as both were members of the Whig political party. Today, the house is open to the public with exhibits highlighting the historic preservation of the neighborhood.

 

The Beedle House

The Beedle House was constructed ca. 1840. In 1860, William H. Beedle and his servant, Kate Tierney, lived at this address. Mr. Beedle was a railroad fireman.

 

The Cook House

Constructed ca. 1850s, by 1860, the Cook House was rented by Mrs. Sarah Cook. Mrs. Cook was a widow with several children and rented out some of the rooms of the Cook house. Previously, she operated a photography stuido in Springfield.

 

The Corneau House

Constructed ca. 1849, the Corneau House was purchased by Charles Corneau in 1855. Mr. Corneau was a druggist, that era's version of a pharmacist. Like Lincoln, Mr. Corneau was a member of the Whig political party.

 

The Dean House

Constructed ca. 1850s, the Dean House was owned and occupied by Harriet Dean and her son Frederick by 1860. Mrs. Dean was involvedin teaching and gardening. Today, the first floor of the Dean House is open to the public, with exhibits about the Lincoln Home and the Lincoln family.

 

Heirloom Garden

Located behind the Dean House on its western side, the heirloom garden gives visitors an idea of what types of foods were grown and eaten in the 1860s. In the summer, visitors can see the garden in full bloom and talk with local gardening volunteers who maintain the heirloom garden.

 

The DuBois House

Built in 1859, the DuBois house was the residence of Jesse K. DuBois until 1864. Mr. DuBois was a state auditor and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, even naming his son after the president.

 

Jameson Jenkins Lot

In the late 1840s, Jameson Jenkins purchased the Jenkins lot and the home at the site. Mr. Jenkins was a drayman, transporting goods and providing transportation services. The day Lincoln left to Washington D.C., it was Mr. Jenkins who gave Lincoln a ride to the Great Western Depot. It is believed Mr. Jenkins was also a conductor of the Underground Railroad.

 

The Lincoln Home

Buily in 1839 by Reverend Charles Dresser, the Lincoln Home was purchased by the Lincolns and served as their home for the next 17 years. Whle livng there, Lincoln was a lawyer and aspiring poltician. It was also where three of his children--Eddie, Willie, and Tad--were born.

 

The Miller House

Believed to be built around 1850, the Miller House was occupied by Allen miller and his family from 1855 to 1864. Mr. Miller was a wealthy local dealer in leather, stoves and tin.

 

The Morse House

Built in 1855, the Morse House was home to Mr. James Morse and family from 1855-1880.

 

The Rosenwald House

Previously called the Lyon House, the Rosenwald House was constructed ca. 1850s and in the 1860s was occupied by Henson Lyon, a retired farmer; Haldah Burge; and their families. In the 1870s, Julius Rosenwald was raised in this home. Rosenwald later became a distinguished philanthropist and the president of Sears, Roebuck & Company.

 

The Robinson House

Built between 1863-1866, the Robinson House was the residence of Henson Robinson. Mr. Robinson was a partner in a Springfield business which sold stoves, furnaces and other tin ware. The business manufactured cups and plates for soldiers during the Civil War.

 

The Shutt House

Built prior to 1859, the house was rented to lawyer George Shutt in 1860. Although a neighbor of Abraham Lincoln, Shutt supported Stephen A. Douglas in the presidential Campaign of 1860.

 

The Sprigg House

Believed to be built by John B. Weber in 1851, the Sprigg House was purchased by Julia Sprigg in 1853. Mrs. Sprigg was a friend of Mary Lincoln and her daughter cared for the Lincolns' sons. Mrs. Sprigg lived in this house from 1853 to 1869.