Great Western Depot, Illinois, United States
4.0 (80 reviews) Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent Ranking #18 in Springfield Historic Sites
Real American History - A Must Stop
This is where Lincoln departed Springfield and headed to DC - it is full of Presidential history. We went by, found a parking spot, and took some photos - they have two free flyers on a sign out front and it is, as you would expect, literally next to the train tracks. There is a cool sign on the building next door which also makes a good photo. If you are into Presidential history, this is a must visit. Go Enjoy!
Address
930 E Monroe St, Springfield, IL 62701-1918
Mobile
Website
http://lincolndepot.org/
Working hours
Monday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday :
Sunday :
Current local date and time now
Monday, May 13, 2024, 10:10
User Ratings
4.0 based on (80 reviews)
Reviews
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5Taylor B 5:00 PM Nov 5, 2020
Site of Lincoln's Farewell Address in 1861
The Great Western Depot in Springfield, Illinois, more commonly known as the Lincoln Depot, is often overlooked amid all of the Lincoln historical sites situated in the Sangamon County area. It shouldn't be. The railway station, which was built by the Great Western Railroad in 1852, is the site of Abraham Lincoln's memorable farewell address to friends and citizens before leaving on his journey to Washington DC to become the 16th president of the United States. Belatedly, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Located at 930 East Monroe Street, at 10th and Monroe Streets, two blocks from the Lincoln home, the building has been renovated, remodeled and restored, survived a fire and served as a passenger station, warehouse, storage space, law office, classroom and museum. On a dark, gloomy morning in 1861, an estimated crowd of 1,000 people assembled at the station to see Lincoln off. As the train pulled in, Lincoln mounted the rear platform. He said: "I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon (George) Washington." In 1865, his body arrived at the station en route to burial at Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. Today, the depot serves as a museum with displays of Lincoln artifacts relating to his 1860 presidential campaign, his 1861 departure and farewell address. A video, narrated by Scott Simon, which describes Lincoln's 12-day journey to Washington DC, is shown on the second floor. As with every Lincoln site in the Springfield area, it is a very poignant and moving experience.
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4valliam13 5:00 PM Sep 18, 2021
Lots of History in one little spot
I’m disappointed the inside is closed currently due to COVID but the law office that shares the building says to call weekly and see if they reopen. There are some plaques be lyes around the building so it’s worth the 5 minute stop if you’re in the area. There’s lots of quick history here.
