Although he passed away almost 150 years ago, Lincoln still lives in Springfield, IL

Capital town of Illinois, Springfield, is smaller than other towns in the state but it is significantly important in the US history. Approximately 200 miles south from Chicago, Springfield is located between Peoria and St. Louis in Illinois. For a normal traveler, Springfield may not fall into their bucket-list of places to visit but anyone interested in history would definitely like to spend few hours in this town. This is a place which has a prominent role in the life of US President Abraham Lincoln. In 1831, Abraham Lincoln ended up in New Salem, IL after his parents decided to move to Coles County, IL. Lincoln's political journey started from Springfield. After marrying Marry Todd Lincoln, the couple bought a home which is now a historic site in Springfield. Visitors can visit the house which is preserved in its original condition. General info about Lincoln's life and political career can be read here.

Life of US 16th President Abraham Lincoln is documented in the Presidential Library and Museum at Springfield, IL. Museum offers a glimpse of Lincoln life and slavery in the US. Audio visual presentations are very self-explanatory and interestingly curated. Human-size statues, realistic facial expressions and the situational music/speeches takes you to the Lincoln era. Stories about Lincoln's life in Springfield can also be read in the library. Theatrical 3D shows are very realistic and popular among visitors.

As soon as you enter the museum, you meet Lincoln's family.

Lincoln's Family: Robert Todd Lincoln, William Wallace "Willie" Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln, and  Thomas "Tad" Lincoln III 

Traveling further from the spacious plaza, visitors can enter into different sections with various themes. A sequence of stories pictorially depicting the slavery era to the introduction and contribution by President Lincoln are presented. In the very first hallway that we entered, miserable situations faced by the slaves during that era were on display in a very moving way.  Iron chains wore by the slaves and many other relics were encased for all to see and think over.

A very beautiful scenery of Lincoln's home in his younger years. 

After a session of courtship and some second thoughts, Lincoln got married to Mary Todd. They had four kids over time. 

As part of his campaign for US senator from Illinois, Lincoln took part in debates with his opponent from the Democratic party: Stephen Douglas. Unfortunately, Lincoln lost.

After becoming President in 1861, Lincoln spearheaded the program for emancipating slaves in the US. First reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was done by him in 1864.

A lot of political as well as non-political groups were against his decision to free the slaves. 

Meanwhile, his family was struggling through the worsening health of their sons. Three of Mary and Abraham's four sons died due to different diseases. On a busy day, President Lincoln is seen entering the room where Mary is trying to take care of her very sick son.

Death of her kids shook the very existence of Mary Todd as a mother. Here she is seen grieving the death of her son Willie. 

On April 14, 1865, President Lincoln was shot dead in the Ford's Theatre. John Wilkes Booth can be seen entering from the back door of Lincoln's seating place. 

Museum authorities and Illinois government have also tried their best to preserve the original home of President Lincoln in the area. Guided tours are offered but the area is open 24 hours to walk around. Nearby homes with significant history are also preserved.

Owner of this house gave shelter to slaves and helped them to become free through a secret route.

Springfield is located along the Historic Route 66. Travelling along this route is quite popular among travelers. It is one of the original highways that exists in the US Highway System. The route started from Chicago and gained popularity among people migrating to the west. It also played a major role in the US economy. Its end point is in Los Angeles.

Following are some of the useful travel guides in case you plan to make a trip along Route 66 or know about it.