Abraham Lincoln

History and house: Abraham Lincoln came of age while living and worked as a private citizen in Springfield, Illinois. It was here that he chooses to settle down, build a life for himself and his family, and worked hard to attain success. At the same time, many of Lincoln's social and political beliefs were formed while he lived in the home at Eighth and Jackson Streets.

The house that would become the future Lincoln house was built in 1839 for the Reverend Charles Dresser. Dresser actually married Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd in 1842. When the house was completed, the house stood one-and-a-half stories tall with five rooms including a sleeping roof space. Between 1855 and 1856 the front of the home was increased from one-and-a-half stories to two full stories. The bedroom was moved to the upstairs portion of the house, allowing for the creation of the rear parlor. Wood folding doors were added to the parlor at this time and the front parlor windows were entirely closed. The rest of the home was increased to two full stories allowing for the present 12 room nearly 3,000 sq. ft. home.

The final alterations of the house took place in the latter part of 1859 and the beginning of 1860. The backyard washing home was torn down and the woodshed was added to the existing Lincoln barn. The Lincolns continued to live in the residence until departing for the White House in February 1861. The Lincolns never returned to their home on the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets. Today, the restored house returns the Lincoln Home of 1860. Today, thousands of visitors come every year to see the Lincoln Home. They should first receive a free ticket at the Visitor Center.