The Great American Road Trip III; Day 2

The tomb of President Abraham Lincoln. (Click to enlarge)

Last night we spent the night in Springfield, Illinois and for day two decided to venture a bit off Route 66 to take in a bit of history.  We spent most of the day in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and the home of our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln, visiting Lincoln related venues.

Springfield, the state of Illinois and the National Park Service have done a marvelous job in celebrating Lincoln,  his history and accomplishments.  What I found very interesting was that Lincoln, his legacy and his foibles weren’t sugar coated but presented in a fashion that he was not a perfect man, but made mistakes as any of us would.  

We visited Lincoln’s tomb, then the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.  Finally, before leaving Springfield, we had a U.S. National Park Service Ranger give us a very informative and interesting tour of Lincoln’s home.  The Lincoln museum was one of the best museums I’ve ever visited.  I highly recommend visiting if you are in the area.

Lincoln’s sarcophagus is on display at the tomb site.  The former President is not in it but 10 ft. below and his body encased in concrete.  Why?  Because thieves had tried to steal his body in the past.  In fact, after death, his body was moved several times.

At Lincoln’s home, where he lived for 17 years before his election to the office of President, is packed full of his and Mary’s furniture, belongings, etc.  Lincoln had planned to return to Springfield after the conclusion of his presidency but, of course, did not.  Mary held onto the house and furnishings, as is, for 17 years before giving everything to the state.  The state preserved the property and their belongings until the National Park Service took over the property.  Horsehair chairs?  Yes, they are still on display and sit as they were when the President lived there.  His small desk is in their bedroom as is his and Mary’s chamber pots and Mary’s heirloom dresser.  The kitchen wood stove sits as it was when the President lived in the house.  Also, the outhouse was a ‘three seater!’  I guess they liked really like to do things together!  Lol  Again, highly recommended.

After we left Springfield, we continued south and west on old Route 66 stopping at the Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, Illinois for a bit of coffee and cheesecake, then to Soulsby’s service station in Mt. Olive, Illinois  Finally, onto St. Louis for the night.

Soulsby’s Shell Station on old Route 66 (click to enlarge)

The Ariston Cafe on Old Route 66 in Litchfield, Illinois.  Terrific food, terrific cheesecake and
wonderful employees! (click to enlarge)

Today was one of the most interesting days I’ve spent in years.

Join me over at my website, https://www.dennismook.com.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy!  

Dennis A. Mook  

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